When Does The Activity List Count?

Are you applying to a competitive school?  Remember, most applicants also have a strong Academic Index (GPA and Test Scores).  Activity lists can set students apart, but avoid the expectation that quantity trumps quality.

click on arrows to reveal answers

Which schools place a lower level of importance on activities?

Schools vary in their relative importance of activity lists, so parents, be patient if your student is applying to that type of school. You can explore each school's common data set for more information, but the list below provides examples of schools that place activities lower on the food chain. You can assume that the relative level of importance leans into the student's academic profile (course rigor, GPA, and standardized test scores) instead. Honors college admission reviews will vary depending on activity lists' relative importance level.

• Pennsylvania State University - University Park - Not Considered

• Arizona State University

• University of Georgia

• University of Maryland

• University of Michigan

• Clemson University

• Virginia Tech

So when do activity lists matter?

Consider if most of the students applying have top academic profiles; the activity list is a tool to showcase drive, initiative, intellectual curiosity, contribution, and diversity of experiences. Below are some examples of more selective schools that dive into activity list content in the admission review.

• Texas A&M College Station

• University of Virginia

• University of Florida

• University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

What activities matter?

Quality over quantity matters. While students should explore activities that interest them in high school without picking and choosing based on college admissions, "raise your hand" clubs can be great for the student's high school experience but do not showcase the traits that colleges are looking for.

My student has common activities but is an uncommon achiever; how can those activity types showcase the traits colleges look for?

Consider how a student might describe measurable accomplishments. For example, students who have engaged in paid work learn many valuable life skills.

• Generic description - Bussed and cleaned tables, collaborated with team, learned the importance of hard work

• Measurable accomplishments - Promoted to lead busser, trained five new hires, given the top shifts with the busiest times, increased tips and wages by 100% over the summer.

Do you want to understand whether activities are important for your students or whether you should let them go? Click here for a chat.

---

#CollegeEssay