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When Does The Activity List Count?

Updated: May 24, 2022


Applying to a competitive school?  Remember, most applicants also have a strong Academic Index (GPA and Test Scores).  Unless you have an “X Factor,” your activity list might be the credible accomplishments you achieve outside of your traditional high school experience.

I happen to think the activities is one of the most underutilized spaces on the college application and can make the difference in the admission review process.

Compare these two:

  1. Basketball  – "Learned about hard work, discipline, and perseverance.  Improved my teamwork for overall team’s success”

  2. Improved Basketball Player Description –

  3. Dedicated my practice to 1,000 successful foul shot practices a week for 35 weeks

  4. Recruited 3 teammates to do the same

  5. The team’s foul shots improved 350% when compared to last season

  6. Spearheaded a Special Olympics event to teach athletes how to make foul shots

  7. Raised $1,000 for Special Olympics

First description: Who cares?  Next!

Second description: Are you kidding me?  Let’s dig deeper into this application!

Click here for CPC’s Guide on how to write an activity list.

Want to understand for which schools the activity list holds weight?  Click Here for a free interest session.