I happen to think the activities list is one of the most underutilized spaces on the college application.
Why?
I think your activities list can make the difference in your application.
Want proof? Compare these two:
Art
Created art pieces and organized school club
Founder, Art Honors Society
Organized and ran meetings, set up field trips, brainstormed and created group art activities, wrote and sent newsletter to members.
First description: Who cares?
Second description: Whaaaaaaat?! Rockstar.
Want to know how to write an amazing activity?
Cool. But I’ll keep it short so we can get to the examples.
How to write an amazing activity in your activities list:
State role and organization name in top box.
Emphasize tangible, measurable impact.
Use active verbs!
To save space, use lists and cut extra words. No need for complete sentences.
Aim for variety.
Avoid extreme language.
Wanna know more about these tips?
Click here for 10 tips on how to up-level your list of activities.
Click here for tips on deciding which extracurricular activities to write about.
Below are a ton of extracurricular activities examples to give you an idea of what a great activities list description looks like.
Extracurricular Activity Examples
Member (9th/10th) Treasurer (11th/12th)
National Honors Society, Ridgefield High School Chapter
We are amongst the highest academically achieving students at our school, who collectively and consistently participate in community service projects.
Student, Class TA
Robotics Fundamentals, Online Course at Carnegie Mellon University
Learned the fundamentals of computer programming, robot assembly, and worked as a team in competitions.
Intern (Summer 2019)
Center for Advanced Head & Neck Surgery, Paid Summer Internship
Learned how to operate screening & diagnostic technologies under Dr. Anderson; assisted in patient care & diagnosis in Otolaryngology & Oncology.
Leader/Concertmaster (10th-12th)
AMAC Youth Chamber Ensemble (AYCE), audition-based community choir
Lead ensemble in rehearsal and performance, coordinate rehearsal times, aid younger members in learning music, present free community concerts yearly.
Volunteer (June 2012 - August 2012)
Boys & Girls Club, youth tutoring/mentorship afterschool program
Served as mentor for K-8 grade kids. Helped prepare lunch, entertain, and tutor students in math and science 25 hrs/wk, 4 wks/yr.
Number 3 Singles Starter (August 30th, 2013 - November 11th, 2015)
Varsity Girls Tennis, Little Creek High School
Practiced and conditioned daily, led daily stretches, competed in district and regional matches against other schools (13 hrs/wk, 11 wks/yr).
Number 1 Doubles Starter (9th-12th), Captain (11th-12th)
JV/V Beverly Hills High School Tennis Team
Three year League Champions; planned and hosted team banquet; led team warmups and meetings; Coach's Award Recipient (11th); Team Spirit Award (12th).
Local Violin Tutor (Summer 2018)
Independent, self-started business
Provided foundational instruction on music and basics of classical violin, demonstrated proper technique, developed strong interpersonal/musical skills.
Part-time EMT (11th - 12th)
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 1 of 5 EMTs selected for job out of 100
Responded to emergency calls, performed BLS protocols, interacted with patients/families, assisted paramedics, organized ambulance rigs (24 hr/week).
Volunteer (9th-12th)
American Red Cross, Baskins High School Club
Assisted supervisors, filed paperwork, made phone calls to donors, prepared facilities for training programs by helping with class planning.
Treasurer (11th-12th), elected by majority vote
Medical Science Academy Student Government
Two year Top Class Performer & Best Medical Presentation Awardee, led club meetings, & presented annual budget breakdown to panels of parents and faculty.
Staff Member (11th)
Music Makes Miracles, community youth theater
Staged and performed in four benefit concerts throughout the school year, coordinated club events and fundraisers, raised money for American Red Cross.
Producer/Host (11th-12th)
School-sponsored television program
Worked camera, sound board, and teleprompter every morning with my peers to produce daily broadcast. Co-hosted and scripted news segment every Tues/Thurs.
Student (10th)
Brown University Intensive Summer Program, Leadership and Global Health Class
Reinforced background knowledge on issues of social justice; investigated biopsychosocial determinants of the Global Burden of Disease (35 hrs/wk, 2 wks/yr).
Volunteer (June, 2012-June, 2013)
Children’s Institute Inc., non-profit dedicated to children with special needs
Organized parties for kids, set up crafts, led activities, baked cookies, supervised children aged 6-12, and cleaned facility (5 hrs/wk, 5 wks/yr).
Orchestra 1 Treasurer (10th-11th), Concertmaster (12th)
Orchestra Council, musical leadership group at Prince High School
Assisted orchestra directors, planned orchestra events, worked during concerts and tours by loading/unloading trucks, setting up, cleaning.
Peer Advisor (11th-12th)
Erving High School Student Ambassador Program, selective application-based leadership team
Organized and led orientation; served as a year round leader, mentor, tutor, and friend to freshmen; helped with class scheduling.
Student Coach (9th - 12th)
Middle School MathCounts Team
Taught strategies, selected competitors, hosted weekly practice sessions and lectures. Led team to 2nd place victory at State Mathematics competition (11th).
Chief Facilitator (11th)
Reimagining Leadership Conference, annual convention on youth leadership strategies
Developed lesson plans, lobbied businesses for sponsorships, held marketing sessions, established partnerships to run leadership camp (65 hrs/wk, 4 wks/yr).
Protein Modeling Team Leader (10th)
Science Olympiad, Burke High School Club
Supervised building of protein molecule model, taught peers to use 3D molecular program Jmol; placed in top ten in 2017 regional competition.
Leader (11th)
Books on Global Health Equity and Social Justice, advocacy-focused peer discussion group
Researched global health equity/social justice , assigned weekly readings for group discussion, brainstormed questions to generate input from members.
Webmaster and Secretary
LEO Club, organization devoted to promoting good government and citizenship
Managed club website; organized club activities with club officers; brainstormed events to increase membership and strengthen LIONS Club International.
Junior World Affairs Council President (9th-12th)
Academy of Global Studies, 4 year research program combining a published thesis and capstone project
Researched impact of education on child marriage for girls in India, synthesized data, published and presented findings to peers and program professors.
President (9th-12th)
National Art Honor Society, only one student inducted from each eligible high school per year
Ran public workshops and art critiques, displayed work in five gallery shows, participated in art community service, and coordinated field trips.
Teen Volunteer (Summer 2019)
Centreville Medical Center
Interacted with patients; assisted nursing staff in providing clinical care; designed, produced, and delivered holiday greeting cards to patients.
ANOTHER GREAT READ:
HOW TO WRITE YOUR COMMON APP college ACTIVITIES LIST
Co-Founder and Tutor (10th-12th)
Taurus Peer Tutoring Program, self-started business
Launched program through which students can request coaching in math/science, instructed concepts in chemistry and precalculus (1 hr/wk; 30 wks/yr).
Concertmaster (11th-12th)
Jordan High School Symphony Orchestra
Lead violins in rehearsals and concerts, tuned/warmed up orchestra, assisted the directors in orchestra functions; Outstanding Musicianship Award (12th).
Founder/Leader (10th - 12th)
Engaged Art Afterschool Program, self-started event for youth to learn about and make art
Organized art-related activities for elementary school aged students every day, researched teaching pedagogy, provided positive feedback to encourage kids.
President (10th-12th)
Robotics Club, Bryson High School
Recruited club members, organized seminars for freshmen, and coordinated team preparation for various competitions. State Champions (11th).
Competitor (9th)
British English Olympics Preparation, opt-in afterschool training offered for Raleigh HS students
8 months intensive preparation on English language proficiency and presentation skills for British English Olympics. Won 6th place out of 50 schools.
Tutor - (10th)
Creekside Elementary Afterschool Tutoring Program
Personally asked to tutor six special education 5th grade students at an elementary school, who did not pass the STAAR test (2 hrs/day for 3 wks).
Head of Media Team (10th)
MUN Club, Meadows School
Recruited and assigned team members as photographers, writers, editors, and marketing advisers. Developed, designed, and maintained club website.
Editor/Cover Artist - (10th - 12th)
Visions Literary Arts Magazine, Granite Bay High School
Lead team in creating an annual 80-page publication and drew cover art for each edition. Organized, workshopped, and critiqued submissions.
Counselor In Training (Summer 2018)
Educational Prep Programs, leadership training program for aspiring counselors
Learned leadership and group dynamic skills, focusing on responsibility, maturity, and accountability, with a final project of cleaning the camp.
Volunteer (July 2015 - October 2015)
Museum of Life and Science
Sold souvenirs in museum gift shop, took inventory, managed sales/financial accounts, and completed all administrative tasks 14 hrs/wk, 16 wks/yr).
Academic/Personal Mentor (9th-12th)
Henderson Youth Center, community resources for underprivileged youth in Henderson County
Responsible for helping 11-12 year olds on school work and planning activities, all while enhancing their self-esteem, social skills, and respect for others.
Manager (12th)
Falling Whistles, local indie rock band
Attended benefit concerts and other fundraising events, helped organize fundraisers, scheduled gigs, and organized sponsors.
Graffiti Removal Team Leader (11th)
Towson County Youth Commission, youth-led faction of the Towson government dedicated to civil service
Lead a group of classmates in coordination with the city to remove graffiti, in an effort to reduce crime based on the broken window theory.
Manager/Administrator (Summer 2019)
ViolinMan Resource, secondhand store for renting used musical instruments
Approved and updated online information database on classical music instruments for use by music enthusiasts. Cleaned and distributed instruments for use.
Starting Center Midfielder (9th - 12th)
United Club Soccer
Premier level team, practice every weekday, traveled out of state for tournaments, competed against nationally ranked teams, State Cup Finalist 2017.
Intern (Summer 2018, 2019)
Faircloth & Supply, feminist fashion blog
Wrote blog posts about women and education, photographed for website, used InDesign to help with graphic design, assisted with social media accounts.
Theater Volunteer (11th-12th)
Non-Profit American Cinematheque, community blackbox theater
Collected tickets, mounted posters, distributed flyers, answered phone calls, assisted with organizing film forum panels, photographed events.
Hired Quartet (11th-12th)
Symphony Orchestra III, well-known touring orchestra in Virginia State
Perform for professional gigs, from mayor’s banquet to Boy Scout ceremonies; often hired to play at community centers, local churches, and hotels.
Co-Head Coach (9th - 12th)
AYSO Girls Soccer, recreational soccer league for girls aged 6-12
Organized drills, modeled proper soccer technique for practices, prepared line-up, coached team, sent emails to parents to coordinate drop offs and pickups.
Student (Summer 2020)
Harvard University Summer School, synchronous online class on Public Speaking
Obtained confident & powerful public speaking techniques, explored professional speeches, mastered improvised speech, & incorporated theatrical skills.
Medical Volunteer (9th-12th)
Trips to Thailand, NGO that coordinates trips to Thailand for infrastructure/healthcare development
Networking with local health workers and ngo officials; assisted pharmacists delivering medicine to mountain tribes (18 trips, 108 hrs/wk, 2 wks/yr).
Drummer (9th-12th)
Raspberry Jam, audition-based jazz band at Elton High School
Played drums at community meetings, performed at three school concerts per year, selected songs to perform, adapted sheet music for percussion section.
Co-Founder/Manager (10th-12th)
Choice Performance Club
Coordinated monthly performances at community venues, opportunity for performers in theater, music, poetry, etc. to serve others through talent.
Staff Member (11th-12th)
Yearbook, Crestview High School
Traveled to photograph sporting events, worked with Photoshop and InDesign, mentored new staff members, and helped run a summer editing workshop.
Graphics Editor and Editorial Writer (9th - 11th)
East Side High School Newspaper
Designed graphics (backgrounds, typesets, layouts, digital drawings); wrote and proofread peer articles; updated print newspaper to digital format.
Team Member (10th), Captain (11th-12th)
Science Bowl Team, Westing Charter School
Directed practices, assigned each member roles, supervised preparation for competition, coordinated transportation to competitions (2 hrs/wk, 28 wks/yr).
Co-President (12th)
Foreign Film Club, Bayside High School
Selected several international films, facilitated discussions, updated members about local film events, watched The Motorcycle Diaries, Mustang, etc.
Student (Summer 2018)
Turley Program for Gifted Artists, intensive summer program for 100 selected HS artists in the Bay Area
Sketched drawings of still life sets/real life models, developed ability to creative ideate and engage with unconventional materials in critical workshops.
Volunteer (10th-11th)
Alzheimer’s Family Services Center
Taught watercolor classes to Alzheimer’s patients; encouraged greater patient participation & creative expression to mitigate the effects of dementia.
President (10th - 12th)
National Latin Honors Society
Organized weekly class meetings, sent official announcements, led first council in school history to host non-profit fundraisers (2 hrs/wk, 30 wks/yr).
Public Forum Debater (9th-12th)
Speech and Debate Team, Broadview High School
Researched monthly topics on political and social issues, organized evidence, developed ability to speak extemporaneously, coached younger debaters.
Volunteer (Summer 2018)
CACH Medical Center
Aided Renal, Labor, and Delivery departments by monitoring front desk and organizing six years worth of backlogged medical records (8 hrs/wk, 20 wks/yr).
Sprinter/Hurdler (9th-12th), Captain (12th)
Cross Country/Track Team, Golden Oak High School
Top-3 Soph/Frosh runner, led boy’s sprinting team in meets and races, aided coaches in organizing daily workouts, emotionally supported team members.
Coxswain (9th - 10th)
Varsity Crew Team, Summerfield High School
Executed drills in boat and indoor training, discussed strategies and plans with coaches, assessed strengths and weaknesses of individual rowers.
Student (Summer 2019)
Georgetown U’s Medical Institute, intensive summer program for high schoolers interested in medicine
Studied medical techniques (took vital signs, drew blood, analyzed human cadavers) to prepare for clinical medicine career. Treated patient simulator.
Lead Decorator (12th)
La Familia Club, school club devoted to increasing cultural awareness about the Latinx community
Organized community cultural events about Latinx cooking and holidays, coordinated creation of traditional Mexican art mural installation on campus.
Mentor (9th-10th)
Girl Scouts Troop 43250
Mentored 10 young girls in arts and crafts; spearheaded troop exhibit representing Italy at cultural community fair; brainstormed troop activities.
Student (10th)
Brown University’s Online Pilot Course: Making an Impact
Selected participant in Brown University’s Leadership Institute, analyzed social change model of leadership development and applied lessons to GCLI.
Flute First Chair (11th-12th)
Concert Band, Oakwood High School
500+ hrs. over 4 yrs. 8 tournaments, 22 concerts. Received Div.1 at 2016 Solo and Ensemble Contest. Attended band trips to Dallas/Austin/Orlando.
Starting Point Guard (10th - 12th)
Varsity Girl’s Basketball Team, Foothill Academy
500+ hrs. over 4 yrs. Conference title. Learned the value of strategy, teamwork, and positivity. Led warmups. Trained everyday afterschool.
Volunteer (9th)
Doha Beach Clean Project
Participated in beach cleanups and environmental education for locals and expats, spread the word about organization events in school and local community.
Chief Volunteer (10th-11th)
Tutor of Peers in Education, cross-cultural tutoring program between American and Korean students
Developed study plans for tests, taught fundamental math skills to 3 underprivileged students in Siheung, established interpersonal connections with tutees.
Team Member (9th-12th), Captain (11th-12th)
JV and Varsity Tennis Team, River Fork Academy
Number 1 Singles, Number 2 Doubles. Attended the University of Notre Dame and Pepperdine University tennis camps to improve accuracy and strength of shot.
Intern (Summer 2017)
Holston Medical Center - Neurology Department
Recruited students for study on relation between cerebral microbleeds and head contact sports, used data to expand Center’s ability to provide effective care.
Delegate (9th-12th), Captain (12th)
Model United Nations, Dulaney High School
Debated world issues with peers in various conferences; Selected and traveled to UC Berkeley and London to compete in a conference. (See Add’l info.)
Founder (11th-12th)
Global Connective Leadership Institute, an international nonprofit organization with 501c3 status
Distributed international social justice resources to the local community. See additional info and short extracurricular essay for details. www.gcli.net
Board Member (10th-12th)
Parish Services Board, in charge of arts funding for partner Title I school
First trimester leader for the community service board. Led the chapel talks and schoolwide fundraising events, chose each trimester beneficiary.
Representative (10th-12th), Commissioner of Media (11th-12th)
Sophomore Class Council, Brady High School
Brainstormed ideas for school events, coordinated weekly grade-level meetings and activities. Produced, and edited all short films for school events.
Math Tutor (Summer 2020)
Self-started tutoring business
Dedicated one-on-one tutoring for arithmetic/geometric sequences and series, trigonometry identities analysis, and factorial/exponential combinations.
Volunteer (10th-12th)
Boys and Girls Club, Pearson County Local Chapter
Tutored students and facilitated games once a week, established and taught a summer tennis clinic for a group of ten year old students.
Founder & President (10th-11th)
SAT Skill Building Club, Shady Hill Charter School
Organized weekly meetings and lessons, coached students on techniques for the three parts of the test, raised money for resource costs and upcoming lessons.
Co-founder and Vice President (10th-12th)
Feed2Food, outreach organization providing food/shelter for homeless people in Kansas City
Helped alleviate homelessness and develop relationships by collecting toiletries and handing them out to the homeless in Midtown, Westport, and Armour Hills.
President (August 30th 2015 - June 9th, 2016)
National Art Honors Society
Organized and ran meetings, set up field trips, brainstormed and created group art activities, wrote and sent newsletter to members (5 hrs/wk, 20 wks/yr).
Delegate (10th-12th), Director of Technology (12th)
Model United Nations
Supervised conference technology access, managed MUN website to optimize navigation. Improved public speaking and research skills serving as a delegate.
Academic Interviewer (11th-12th)
Student Ambassador Club, Hillside High School
Personally talked to undecided students about their plans for the future both academically and non-academically, provided guidance and moral support.
Secretary (11th)
Teen Educational Foundation, youth group focused on increasing access to critical educational resources
Fundraised for our community/surrounding communities, organized City Council/Board of Education forums, and donated grants to High School clubs.
Volunteer (Summer 2015, 2016)
Special Olympics World Games, annual sports event for children with special needs
Ran the information booth, gave parking directions, escorted athletes to venues, organized shuttles, helped athletes navigate the activity booths.
Junior Volunteer (Summer 2019)
Meredith Hospital
Led 2 hours of music therapy tri-monthly for patients, visitors, staff; assisted with paperwork, patient needs, cleaning, and orienting hospital visitors.
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Intern (Summer 2016, 2017, 2018)
Crouch Engineering Corporation
Assembled semiconductors by applying thin film coating, used metal evaporator machine, and diced semiconductor wafers (8 hrs/wk, 32 wks/yr).
Member (9th-12th)
Rotary Club of Calcutta
Set up and maintained a school for 80 children in a slum area. Provided primary education, cleaned clothes, prepared a midday meal, and taught English.
Intern (September 2013 - June 2016)
Steward Mental Hospital
Used art as therapy for those with Bipolar depression/schizophrenia, set up patient art shows, taught art lessons, organized field trips for patients.
Freelance Artist (Summer 2016, 2017)
Self-started business
Staged and framed personal artwork to be sold, displayed art at Carrack Gallery, consulted buyers, donated all proceeds (~$800) to school art program.
Volunteer (Summer 2015, 2016)
Revlon Breast Cancer Marathon
Coordinated pre-registration and raffle off, distributed cups of water, encouraged runners, checked-in participants, and monitored runner health.
Team Member (11th-12th)
Varsity Cross Country, Bright High School
Ran 20 miles a week for practice, organized middle school cross country meets, qualified to go to state, 2nd place at annual Bull City XC Run.
Tutor (10th)
Spanish Honors Society, Lincoln High School
Tutored students in Spanish, promoted interest in Hispanic studies, updated tutees about cultural events in the surrounding Philadelphia community.
Executive Officer (10th-12th)
Association of Latin American Students, affinity group for student of Latin American descent at Woodland HS
Organized meetings and trips to conferences/colleges, advertised cultural events, planned fundraisers, delegated responsibilities between members.
Co-President/Co-Founder (11th-12th)
Cookies for Cancer, fundraising organization for families who can’t afford chemotherapy
Orchestrated & publicized bi-weekly bake sales, led club members, maintained accounting, raised $2000 for the Children's Cancer Research Fund.
Volunteer (Summer 2019)
Migrants’ Rights Advocacy Center, org campaigning against exploitation of worker rights in Qatar
Translated and spread information regarding rights in Nepalese and provided health aid, organized fund drive to financially support workers’ families.
Secretary (10th-12th)
Working Towards The Future, national career advising and academic resource hub for high school students
Organized meeting discussions, informed students of financial aid opportunities, and recorded minutes for cabinet meetings (3 hrs/wk, 40 wks/yr).
Member (11th - 12th)
The Giving Society, charity organization
Raised funds for new advocacy org each semester. Causes include: homelessness (Urban Ministries), climate change (Sunrise), animal cruelty (ASPCA).
Vice President (10th - 12th)
Key Club, international service organization for high students
Led both officer and club meetings, arranged club events with community venues, planned fundraising yoga nights, encouraged activity of members.
Intern (10th - 12th)
Ovarian Cancer Lab
Published journals, conducted independent projects, facilitated cell maintenance, attended lab meetings, collaborated with fellows and graduate students.
School Tour Guide (9th - 12th)
Northview Academy Student Ambassador Club, application based position
Toured prospective families and visitors around campus and presented information about course offerings, facilities, student life, etc.
Vice President (12th)
Pajama Mama Club, Cypress Charter School
Sewed pajamas each semester using recycled materials, donated the handmade pajamas to over 50 children of Alexandria’s House, a non-profit organization.
