At this point in the year, you’re probably looking for ways to make your life easier… and college applications are no exception! With so many decisions on your plate, the future can feel overwhelming. Today, we’ll focus on tackling the Common Application and how to improve your activities list for this platform. Solutions, coming right up.
First, we’ll give you a primer on what the Common App activities section looks like, and what it’s asking you to write. Then, we’ll review a list of potential topics, and quickly run down what makes some extracurricular activities more persuasive than others. Finally, we’ll jumpstart your brainstorming session by providing 100 of the best Common App activities examples we’ve seen. Let’s get writing.
Common App activities section: overview
The extracurricular activities section of your Common Application is essentially your chance to share your high school resume. To complete this section, you’ll need the following information about each of your ten (10) most relevant or important activities outside of school:
- Activity type (e.g., art, athletics, community service, volunteering, research, or other)
- Participation grade levels (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, post-grad)
- Timing of participation (during the school year, during your school break, or all year)
- Hours spent per week
- Weeks spent per year
- Whether or not you intend to participate in a similar activity in college (yes/no)
In other words, what activities have you participated in, which demonstrate your best qualities as a student? When it comes to selecting which activities to write about, prioritize those that align with your core application themes. However, you don’t need to worry about continuing everything in college; admissions officers aren’t expecting you to.
What qualifies as an activity in the Common App?
Ready to start reviewing examples? Pretty much anything that you spend time on outside of school could be viewed as an extracurricular activity! While these activities listed below might not apply directly to your experiences, you can use them as examples of the kinds of extracurriculars that students may choose in this section.
Most of all, pursue your interests and curiosity. These hobbies are great because they provide students the best of all worlds: the opportunity to have rich, meaningful, and enjoyable experiences that also work well on college applications.
Arts
Culinary arts
- Baking technique
- Culinary technique
- Culture or cuisine specialization
- Nutritional science
Fine arts
- Animation
- Calligraphy
- Digital design
- Drawing
- Fiber arts
- Graphic design
- Jewelry making
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Sewing
- Sketching
- Woodworking
- Video production
Performing arts
- Choreography
- Color guard
- Comedy
- Costume design
- Dance
- Drum corps
- Marching band
- Music, instrumental
- Music, vocals
- Production design
- Set design
- Theater
Athletics
Individual sports
- Dance
- Equestrian
- Fencing
- Figure skating
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Martial arts
- Rock climbing
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Triathalon
- Wrestling
Locational sports
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Paddleboarding
- Sailing
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Surfing
Team sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cheer
- Cricket
- Field hockey
- Football
- Ice hockey
- Lacrosse
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Water polo
Clubs
In-school groups
- Academic subjects
- Government
- Journalism (newspaper or yearbook)
- Shared interests or hobbies
Community-based groups
- Book clubs
- Faith-based practice
- Language conversation practice
- Recreational sports leagues
- Shared interests or hobbies
Community service
- Animal rescues
- Bilingual translation
- Disaster relief efforts
- Elderly citizens
- Environmental causes
- Food banks
- Local fundraising causes
- Local shelters
- Medical causes
- Medical patients
- Political campaigns
- Street clean-ups
- Tutoring younger students
Competitions
- Art competitions
- Film festivals
- Science fairs
- Science Olympiad
- Quiz bowl
- Speech & debate
- Robotics tournaments
- Hackathons
- Writing competitions
Employment
- Academic research role(s)
- Babysitting or pet sitting
- Freelancing (graphic design, blogging, etc)
- Internship role(s)
- Paid work role(s)
- Summer jobs (camp counselor, lifeguard, etc)
What are the word or character limits for each activity?
When you’re ready to start filling out your Common Application, you’ll see the following fields available for each activity you enter:
- Description (150 characters maximum)
- Activity Type (select from a list)
- Position/Leadership Role Description (50 characters maximum)
- Organization Name (100 characters maximum)
These written sections are where you have the most control to cast your activities in a great light. Think of each entry like a point on your resume; curated and meaningful.
Also like a resume, short, incomplete sentences are fine to get your point across! Instead of using full sentences, take the opportunity to use action verbs, emphasize the impact of your actions, and use all the space available to you to describe details.
What makes an activity work well in college applications?
There are a few qualities that tend to make a college candidate shine. Naturally, college admissions officers love to read about students who are actively involved in the world. As an applicant, your goal is demonstrating your ability to handle the rigor of college. Each of the following attributes can help signify a student’s level of maturity and academic achievement.
Longevity and Commitment
The longer you are involved in activity over time, the more dedication you will show. Staying committed to developing several interests is a positive quality.
Personal Growth
Be sure to discuss how these activities have helped you grow as a person and as a student. These insights will help you develop your student voice more effectively throughout the application.
Social Impact on Community
It’s always important to discuss the impact of your activities, not only because it shows the importance of your work, but also because it provides a scale for the admissions officers to understand your accomplishments.
Achievements and Merit
Of course, if you have earned any accolades or awards, this is a great opportunity to mention it. There’s no such thing as bragging on your college application, go ahead and talk about what you have achieved!
Here’s one take on how to level-up your activities list:
100 Common App activities examples
Next, let’s put all of these different pieces together to review some completed example entries.
1. Academic Honor Society
- Position: Member (9th/10th), Treasurer (11th/12th)
- Organization: National Honors Society, Ridgefield High School Chapter
- Responsibilities: Led community service projects, managed chapter finances, organized events.
2. Online Education Course
- Position: Student, Class TA
- Organization: Carnegie Mellon University
- Responsibilities: Learned robotics, assisted peers in lab, participated in competitions.
3. Paid Internship
- Position: Intern (Summer 2019)
- Organization: Center for Advanced Head & Neck Surgery
- Responsibilities: Operated diagnostic tools, assisted patient care, shadowed surgeons.
4. Music Ensemble
- Position: Leader/Concertmaster (10th-12th)
- Organization: AMAC Youth Chamber Ensemble (AYCE)
- Responsibilities: Led rehearsals, organized concerts, performed community events.
5. Volunteer Tutoring/Mentorship
- Position: Volunteer (June 2012 – August 2012)
- Organization: Boys & Girls Club
- Responsibilities: Tutored students, organized activities, prepared and served meals.
6. High School Sports Team
- Position: Number 3 Singles Starter (August 30th, 2013 – November 11th, 2015)
- Organization: Varsity Girls Tennis, Little Creek High School
- Responsibilities: Competed in matches, maintained conditioning, mentored new players.
7. High School Sports Team
- Position: Number 1 Doubles Starter (9th-12th), Captain (11th-12th)
- Organization: JV/V Beverly Hills High School Tennis Team
- Responsibilities: Led team to championships, organized training schedules and events.
8. Independent Business
- Position: Violin Tutor (Summer 2018)
- Organization: Self-Started
- Responsibilities: Provided violin lessons, developed teaching skills, managed scheduling.
9. Healthcare Internship
- Position: Part-time EMT (11th – 12th)
- Organization: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
- Responsibilities: Responded to emergencies, supported paramedics, handled patient transport.
10. Volunteer Organization
- Position: Volunteer (9th-12th)
- Organization: American Red Cross, Baskins High School Club
- Responsibilities: Assisted in blood drives, training setup, administrative support.
11. Student Government
- Position: Treasurer (11th-12th)
- Organization: Medical Science Academy
- Responsibilities: Managed club finances, presented budgets, coordinated fundraisers.
12. Community Theater
- Position: Staff Member (11th)
- Organization: Music Makes Miracles
- Responsibilities: Organized concerts, coordinated fundraisers, and assisted backstage.
13. School Media Program
- Position: Producer/Host (11th-12th)
- Organization: School-Sponsored Television Program
- Responsibilities: Managed broadcasts, co-hosted segments, edited content.
14. Summer Program
- Position: Student (10th)
- Organization: Brown University Intensive Summer Program
- Responsibilities: Studied leadership, explored social justice issues, wrote essays.
15. Non-Profit Volunteer
- Position: Volunteer (June, 2012-June, 2013)
- Organization: Children’s Institute Inc.
- Responsibilities: Supervised children, organized activities, assisted with learning.
16. Orchestra Leadership
- Position: Orchestra 1 Treasurer (10th-11th), Concertmaster (12th)
- Organization: Prince High School Orchestra Council
- Responsibilities: Planned events, supported performances, led rehearsals.
17. Peer Mentorship
- Position: Peer Advisor (11th-12th)
- Organization: Erving High School Student Ambassador Program
- Responsibilities: Mentored freshmen, organized orientation, led tours.
18. Academic Coaching
- Position: Student Coach (9th – 12th)
- Organization: Middle School MathCounts Team
- Responsibilities: Led practices, coached team to state competition, designed problems.
19. Leadership Conference
- Position: Chief Facilitator (11th)
- Organization: Reimagining Leadership Conference
- Responsibilities: Developed plans, organized leadership camp, facilitated workshops.
20. Academic Competition
- Position: Protein Modeling Team Leader (10th)
- Organization: Science Olympiad, Burke High School Club
- Responsibilities: Supervised model building, taught 3D molecular modeling, competed nationally.
21. Book Club
- Position: Leader (11th)
- Organization: Books on Global Health Equity and Social Justice
- Responsibilities: Organized discussions, led study sessions, curated reading lists.
22. Civic Engagement Club
- Position: Webmaster and Secretary
- Organization: LEO Club
- Responsibilities: Managed website, organized events, documented minutes.
23. Academic Research
- Position: Junior World Affairs Council President (9th-12th)
- Organization: Academy of Global Studies
- Responsibilities: Researched child marriage, published thesis, presented findings.
24. Art Honor Society
- Position: President (9th-12th)
- Organization: National Art Honor Society
- Responsibilities: Ran workshops, organized gallery shows, led service projects.
25. Hospital Volunteer
- Position: Teen Volunteer (Summer 2019)
- Organization: Centreville Medical Center
- Responsibilities: Assisted with patient care, created holiday cards, organized donations.
26. Tutoring Program
- Position: Co-Founder and Tutor (10th-12th)
- Organization: Taurus Peer Tutoring Program
- Responsibilities: Tutored students, managed logistics, developed curriculum.
27. Orchestra Performance
- Position: Concertmaster (11th-12th)
- Organization: Jordan High School Symphony Orchestra
- Responsibilities: Led rehearsals, awarded for musicianship, coordinated performances.
28. Art Education
- Position: Founder/Leader (10th – 12th)
- Organization: Engaged Art Afterschool Program
- Responsibilities: Organized activities, researched teaching methods, recruited volunteers.
29. Robotics Club
- Position: President (10th-12th)
- Organization: Bryson High School Robotics Club
- Responsibilities: Recruited members, organized competition preparation, secured funding.
30. Language Competition
- Position: Competitor (9th)
- Organization: British English Olympics Preparation
- Responsibilities: Trained in English skills, competed in presentations, achieved high scores.
31. Tutoring Program
- Position: Tutor (10th)
- Organization: Creekside Elementary Afterschool Tutoring Program
- Responsibilities: Tutored special ed students, improved test scores, developed strategies.
32. Media Club
- Position: Head of Media Team (10th)
- Organization: MUN Club, Meadows School
- Responsibilities: Managed media presence, coordinated activities, edited content.
33. Literary Arts Magazine
- Position: Editor/Cover Artist (10th – 12th)
- Organization: Visions Literary Arts Magazine, Granite Bay High School
- Responsibilities: Designed publication, edited submissions, coordinated production.
34. Counselor Training Program
- Position: Counselor In Training (Summer 2018)
- Organization: Educational Prep Programs
- Responsibilities: Developed leadership, completed service projects, led activities.
35. Museum Volunteer
- Position: Volunteer (July 2015 – October 2015)
- Organization: Museum of Life and Science
- Responsibilities: Managed gift shop, handled administrative tasks, supported exhibits.
36. Youth Mentorship
- Position: Academic/Personal Mentor (9th-12th)
- Organization: Henderson Youth Center
- Responsibilities: Mentored youth, planned activities, organized educational workshops.
37. Band Management
- Position: Manager (12th)
- Organization: Falling Whistles
- Responsibilities: Organized gigs, coordinated sponsors, managed band logistics.
38. Community Service
- Position: Graffiti Removal Team Leader (11th)
- Organization: Towson County Youth Commission
- Responsibilities: Led removal efforts, promoted community safety, organized volunteer teams.
39. Business Management
- Position: Manager/Administrator (Summer 2019)
- Organization: ViolinMan Resource
- Responsibilities: Managed inventory, coordinated with suppliers, handled customer service.
40. Civic Organization
- Position: Member (11th)
- Organization: League of Women Voters
- Responsibilities: Participated in campaigns, organized voter registration, educated the public.
41. Dance Performance
- Position: Dancer (Summer 2018)
- Organization: Dance For Life
- Responsibilities: Participated in performances, fundraised for charity, supported event planning.
42. Journalism Club
- Position: Reporter/Editor (9th-12th)
- Organization: Granville High School News
- Responsibilities: Wrote articles, edited submissions, managed websites.
43. Public Speaking
- Position: Coach (12th)
- Organization: Speech and Debate Club
- Responsibilities: Coached team, organized practices, competed in tournaments.
44. Environmental Organization
- Position: Volunteer (9th)
- Organization: Clean Oceans Initiative
- Responsibilities: Organized cleanups, promoted awareness, educated the public.
45. Music Education
- Position: Volunteer Instructor (Summer 2018)
- Organization: Hart Foundation Music Camp
- Responsibilities: Taught violin, led sectionals, mentored students.
46. Student Exchange Program
- Position: Participant (Summer 2018)
- Organization: American Field Service Intercultural Programs
- Responsibilities: Lived in host country, learned language, immersed in culture.
47. Community Music Ensemble
- Position: Leader (9th-12th)
- Organization: ABC Youth Ensemble
- Responsibilities: Organized rehearsals, performed concerts, led outreach.
48. STEM Camp
- Position: STEM Instructor (Summer 2019)
- Organization: Ko Natch Science Summer Camp
- Responsibilities: Taught biology, led robotics classes, organized activities.
49. Food Distribution Program
- Position: Co-Founder/Volunteer (10th-12th)
- Organization: Volunteer Club, Lawrence High School
- Responsibilities: Distributed food, managed operations, coordinated volunteers.
50. Educational Media
- Position: Creator/Presenter (11th)
- Organization: Science With Hannah
- Responsibilities: Produced videos, shared on social media, engaged audiences.
51. High School Theatre Production
- Position: Actor (12th)
- Organization: Romeo and Juliet
- Responsibilities: Played Juliet, led rehearsals, promoted performances.
52. Youth Civic Engagement
- Position: Delegate (10th)
- Organization: YMCA Youth in Government
- Responsibilities: Debated bills, learned government processes, participated in mock legislature.
53. Student Government
- Position: President (9th-12th)
- Organization: National Honors Society, Brooke High School
- Responsibilities: Led meetings, organized events, coordinated service projects.
54. Animal Shelter Volunteer
- Position: Volunteer (9th-12th)
- Organization: Homeward Bound Animal Shelter
- Responsibilities: Cared for animals, assisted with adoption events, maintained records.
55. Academic Research
- Position: Researcher (10th)
- Organization: Biochemical Research Lab, Ohio University
- Responsibilities: Conducted research, presented findings, published paper.
56. Creative Writing
- Position: Poet (9th-12th)
- Organization: Poetry Club
- Responsibilities: Wrote and performed poetry, led writing workshops, organized readings.
57. Cooking Club
- Position: Founder/Leader (9th-12th)
- Organization: Baking Club
- Responsibilities: Organized meetings, led baking classes, curated recipes.
58. High School Sports Team
- Position: Runner (9th-12th)
- Organization: Cross Country, Potomac High School
- Responsibilities: Competed in races, maintained training regimen, achieved personal bests.
59. Science Education Internship
- Position: Intern (Summer 2019)
- Organization: Learning and Innovation Hub, Dallas Science Museum
- Responsibilities: Taught science programs, facilitated exhibits, engaged visitors.
60. Hospital Volunteer
- Position: Volunteer (Summer 2019)
- Organization: Midtown Community Hospital
- Responsibilities: Assisted in Pediatric/Burn Units, supported patient care, organized events.
61. Art Exhibition
- Position: Curator (11th-12th)
- Organization: School Art Gallery
- Responsibilities: Curated student artwork, organized exhibitions, managed gallery logistics.
62. Environmental Club
- Position: President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Eco Warriors
- Responsibilities: Led recycling programs, organized cleanups, promoted sustainability initiatives.
63. Debate Team
- Position: Captain (11th-12th)
- Organization: Lincoln-Douglas Debate Team
- Responsibilities: Coached team, led debates, won regional competitions.
64. Volunteer Medical Assistant
- Position: Assistant (Summer 2019)
- Organization: Local Free Clinic
- Responsibilities: Assisted with patient intake, managed records, supported doctors.
65. Drama Club
- Position: President (12th)
- Organization: Drama Club
- Responsibilities: Directed plays, organized auditions, promoted performances.
66. Student Newspaper
- Position: Editor-in-Chief (11th-12th)
- Organization: The Gazette
- Responsibilities: Managed editorial team, edited articles, published monthly issues.
67. STEM Competition
- Position: Team Leader (10th-12th)
- Organization: First Robotics Competition
- Responsibilities: Designed robots, led teams in competitions, secured sponsorships.
68. Creative Writing Club
- Position: President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Creative Writing Club
- Responsibilities: Organized writing workshops, published anthologies, led discussions.
69. Community Garden
- Position: Coordinator (11th-12th)
- Organization: Green Thumbs Club
- Responsibilities: Managed garden, organized planting schedules, led volunteer efforts.
70. High School Band
- Position: Drum Major (11th-12th)
- Organization: Marching Band
- Responsibilities: Conducted performances, led rehearsals, organized events.
71. Volunteer Tutor
- Position: Tutor (10th-12th)
- Organization: Math Tutoring Club
- Responsibilities: Tutored peers, developed teaching materials, organized study sessions.
72. Science Fair
- Position: Participant (9th-12th)
- Organization: School Science Fair
- Responsibilities: Conducted experiments, presented projects, won awards.
73. Student Council
- Position: Vice President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Student Council
- Responsibilities: Organized school events, led meetings, coordinated fundraisers.
74. Dance Team
- Position: Captain (11th-12th)
- Organization: Dance Team
- Responsibilities: Choreographed routines, led practices, performed at events.
75. Tech Club
- Position: President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Technology Club
- Responsibilities: Organized tech workshops, led coding projects, participated in hackathons.
76. Volunteer Reading Program
- Position: Volunteer (10th-12th)
- Organization: Reading Buddies
- Responsibilities: Read to children, promoted literacy, organized reading sessions.
77. School Yearbook
- Position: Editor (11th-12th)
- Organization: Yearbook Committee
- Responsibilities: Designed layouts, edited content, managed production.
78. Volunteer Coach
- Position: Assistant Coach (10th-12th)
- Organization: Youth Soccer League
- Responsibilities: Coached children, organized practices, managed game strategies.
79. Cultural Club
- Position: President (11th-12th)
- Organization: International Club
- Responsibilities: Organized cultural events, promoted diversity, led meetings.
80. Community Outreach
- Position: Volunteer (10th-12th)
- Organization: Community Outreach Program
- Responsibilities: Organized drives, assisted in food distribution, supported local families.
81. Chess Club
- Position: President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Chess Club
- Responsibilities: Organized tournaments, taught strategies, led club activities.
82. Volunteer Translator
- Position: Translator (11th-12th)
- Organization: Community Center
- Responsibilities: Translated documents, assisted non-English speakers, facilitated communication.
83. Art Club
- Position: Vice President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Art Club
- Responsibilities: Organized art projects, curated exhibitions, led workshops.
84. Photography Club
- Position: President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Photography Club
- Responsibilities: Organized photo walks, curated exhibitions, led workshops.
85. Model United Nations
- Position: Delegate (10th-12th)
- Organization: Model UN Club
- Responsibilities: Researched topics, debated issues, wrote position papers.
86. Volunteer Firefighter
- Position: Volunteer (11th-12th)
- Organization: Volunteer Fire Department
- Responsibilities: Responded to emergencies, completed training, supported community safety.
87. Robotics Club
- Position: Vice President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Robotics Club
- Responsibilities: Built robots, led teams in competitions, secured funding.
88. Music Club
- Position: President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Music Club
- Responsibilities: Organized concerts, promoted music education, led rehearsals.
89. Volunteer Nursing Home
- Position: Volunteer (11th-12th)
- Organization: Local Nursing Home
- Responsibilities: Organized activities, assisted residents, provided companionship.
90. Film Club
- Position: President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Film Club
- Responsibilities: Organized screenings, produced short films, led discussions.
91. Business Club
- Position: Vice President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Future Business Leaders of America
- Responsibilities: Organized events, led workshops, competed in business competitions.
92. Volunteer Animal Shelter
- Position: Volunteer (10th-12th)
- Organization: Animal Shelter
- Responsibilities: Cared for animals, assisted with adoptions, promoted awareness.
93. Public Speaking Club
- Position: President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program
- Responsibilities: Organized meetings, coached peers, led speech competitions.
94. Coding Club
- Position: President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Coding Club
- Responsibilities: Organized hackathons, led coding workshops, developed projects.
95. Volunteer Teaching Assistant
- Position: Teaching Assistant (10th-12th)
- Organization: Local Elementary School
- Responsibilities: Assisted teachers, tutored students, organized activities.
96. Environmental Advocacy
- Position: Volunteer (11th-12th)
- Organization: Environmental Advocacy Group
- Responsibilities: Organized campaigns, promoted sustainability, educated the public.
97. Volunteer Park Cleanup
- Position: Coordinator (10th-12th)
- Organization: Local Park
- Responsibilities: Organized cleanups, led volunteer teams, promoted conservation.
98. Fashion Club
- Position: President (11th-12th)
- Organization: Fashion Club
- Responsibilities: Organized fashion shows, led design workshops, promoted fashion awareness.
99. Junior Achievement
- Position: Team Leader (11th-12th)
- Organization: Junior Achievement
- Responsibilities: Led business projects, mentored peers, organized events.
100. Math Team
- Position: Captain (11th-12th)
- Organization: Math Team
- Responsibilities: Led practices, competed in competitions, developed problem-solving strategies.
Want to read even more? You can find more similar examples of activity entries, which inspired this list, here and here.
Common App activities and more
What makes these descriptions successful? In addition to curating a wide, varied selection of your interests, the activities listed here all have purpose. You’ll notice that each example activity is quite succinct, while your personal description will use action verbs and tangible details. Be sure to mention the impact on yourself and/or your community. Following this pattern will improve and strengthen your activities list, no matter what activities you include!
If you enjoyed this list, or are looking for more information on the college application process, Empowerly can help. Empowerly is a community of dedicated, passionate educators who want to help students become the best version of themselves. Working with a counselor is a great way to alleviate stress and provide 11x better odds of admission for your teen. To learn more about our program and the kind of support we can give students, give us a call today.
Sophia Minhas
