When it comes to filling out the extracurricular activity list in the Common Application system for college admissions, students often focus on listing their most impressive individual activities. However, what admission officers are looking for is a storyline built by a series of activities that demonstrate long-term dedication, commitment, and personal growth. Here's why and some tips on how to create a compelling storyline.
Firstly, admission officers are not just looking for students who are only good at one thing. They are interested in well-rounded individuals who have demonstrated their passion and commitment to various interests over an extended period. By showing a storyline of activities, students can highlight their consistency and dedication, demonstrating that they have been working on something meaningful over time, rather than just ticking boxes.
Moreover, admission officers want to see evidence of personal growth in applicants. A storyline of activities that demonstrate how students have progressed and developed their skills over time is far more compelling than a single activity with no continuity. A storyline shows how the student has grown through their experiences, and this growth can be a decisive factor in admission decisions.
So, how can students build a good storyline of activities? Here are some tips:
- Consistency: The activities in the storyline must be consistent and contribute to one cohesive story. Students should select activities that are related and demonstrate their commitment to a particular area of interest.
- Progressive: The storyline must show progress. It should demonstrate how the student has developed their skills and how their activities have grown in scope and importance over time.
- Pick the right order: The order of activities matters. Students should either start with the most important/high-level activity and work their way down or start with the beginning and show how their activities have extended their possibilities. Either way, the order should make sense and help build the story.
- Show impact: Finally, students should show the impact of their activities. Admission officers want to see how the student's involvement has affected themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
In summary, creating a compelling storyline of activities is crucial when filling out the extracurricular activity list in the Common Application system for college admissions. By demonstrating consistency, progress, picking the right order, and showing impact, students can build a compelling story that showcases their dedication, commitment, and personal growth, which will help them stand out in the admission process.
To emphasize the significance of presenting storylines in students' activity list, EAE provides two entry types specifically based on a storyline for reviewing extracurricular activities. This prompts students to strategize and execute an ideal sequence of activities to showcase their growth, dedication, and accomplishments, which can serve as a solid foundation for the ultimate presentation of their college application profiles.
For more information, please check the entry types of EAE.