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1.3 - Create Your UC Activities List

First, why is the UC Activities List important? While your personal insight questions will show a bit about who you are, your Activities List shows what you’ve done. Keywords: leadership, responsibility, impact.

While most of it will be the same as the Common App Activities List, the UC Activities List is more comprehensive. Why? Because the UC Activities List gives you 20 blanks for inputting your activities/awards (with 350 characters of space for describing each activity), while the Common App only gives you space for 10 activities (150 character descriptions) and 5 honors/awards.

Note: Be sure to include:

1. Hours per week/Weeks Per Year

2. Position and Organization Name (60 characters max with spaces)

3. Description, including responsibilities, honors, and accomplishments (350 characters with spaces)

Let’s get started...

The UC application will ask you to choose from one of six categories:

• Award or honors

• Educational preparation programs

• Extracurricular activities

• Other coursework

• Volunteering / Community service

• Work experience

You’ll get to list up to 20 activities across these six categories (so you’ll have 20 slots). 

ACTION ITEM: I want you to create a Google doc right now labeled “[Your Name] UC Activities List” with all your activities and 350-character descriptions.

FIRST, HERE ARE SOME AWESOME EXAMPLES:

Educational Prep Programs

Yosemite Backpacking Excursion

Learned survival skills and took part in leadership training. Orienteered and rationed food for a 10-day backpacking trip from Half Dome to Glacier Point. Explored ecology of Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep. Coordinated hiking routes and organized base camp cooking, sleeping, and traveling supplies. Rappelled down the Sunnyside Bench Route. (339 characters)

Narrative Writing Workshop

Attended a workshop that focused on narrative writing. Discussed the difference in tone between stories written by O’Connor, Twain, and Chopin. Developed personal portfolio of poetry, short stories, and non-fiction narratives. Peer-edited other participants’ written work. Published a fictional short story in end-of-workshop print journal. (340 characters)

Independent Study

Researched, presented thesis as Interim Semester project on Singapore’s aging population. Created actionable plan to improve living conditions for elderly. Utilized census data to analyze socioeconomic status in relation to population demographics. Designed interactive website cross-referencing average age of inhabitants with poverty rates. (342 characters)

VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY SERVICE

Intern at Children’s Institute Otis Booth Campus

Please describe the organization, program, school, or group (250 characters):

Works across LA to help impoverished children who are exposed to adversity (emotional abuse, violence, neglect, or other forms of trauma). Serves over 26,000 children every year by providing early education, behavioral health, and family services. (247 characters)

What did you do? (350 characters)

Brainstormed after-school programs to increase creative productivity. Analyzed the interests of local young people. Investigated strategies for promoting academic/extracurricular interest among disaffected youth. Presented data to supervisor and worked with coordinators to implement YouthWorks, an initiative to engage impoverished children in LA. (348 characters)

Member of Civics Committee

Please describe the organization, program, school, or group (250 characters):

A student-led committee devoted to educating 40 9th graders in Cook County to strengthen their productive leadership and civic engagement. Each student works a minimum of 20 hrs/wk to develop strong relationships and instill a desire to give back. (248 characters)

What did you do? (350 characters)

Provided mentorship to 9th graders at Lincoln Park HS. Led discussions about exercising responsible citizenship. Responsible for assigning tutors, coordinating social events, and sending out weekly updates to committee advisors. Organized GirlsGetUp event to promote social, ethical, and political literacy for 300+ middle school girls in Chicago. (347 characters)

Street Soccer Program

Please describe the organization, program, school, or group (250 characters):

Targeted towards 6-18 year olds who make up 33% of impoverished youth. In 10 years, it has positively impacted 15,000+ youth in 14 US cities by improving youth communication, collaboration, self-confidence, and mutual respect. (226 characters)

What did you do? (350 characters)

Advocated for funding a Street Soccer USA program with the County Fair Fundraising Committee. Collaborated with Committee to create programming for children in Chatham County. Coordinated a meet-and-greet lunch with NC Courage to inspire participants. Planned 4 soccer games. Supervised referees, staff, and volunteers from pick-up to drop-off. (344 characters)

American Water Works Association, Volunteer

Please describe the organization, program, school, or group (250 characters):

International nonprofit dedicated to providing water to those who need it. Membership 4,300+ utilities that supply ~80% of US drinking water. Advocates for sustainable water, shares knowledge about filtration, and fosters civic engagement (239 characters)

What did you do? (350 characters)

Volunteered at Centre for Caregivers events. Led a presentation on how to support public health initiatives through civic engagement. Held weekly discussions about sustainable water development. Surveyed local farms to determine potability of groundwater. Helped write proposal to create better water filtration infrastructure in Duval County. (343 characters)

Global Partners for International Orientation

Please describe the organization, program, school, or group (250 characters):

Introduces international students at Brinton HS to American cultural, social, and political life. Provides 4 events per semester for the 20 permanent international students. Designs training programs for Global Partners in 5 other schools. (239 characters).

What did you do? (350 characters)

Assisted 6 new international students with class registration and adjustment to school. Created bi-monthly meetings for students to voice concerns and explore cultural differences/similarities. Organized peer-mentorship program for first semester. Hosted an orientation day for incoming students to learn more about American campus life and culture. (349 characters)

Work Experience

Shingari's School of Rhythm, Administrative Assistant 

Please briefly describe the company or organization where you worked. (250 characters) 

Teaches Bollywood cinematic dancing and instills a love of Indian culture. Serves ~2,000 students. Recognized as Best Intro Bollywood dance studio by The Centerwork: Bollywood Dance Magazine. Locations in Houston, LA, San Francisco, and Chicago. (245 characters)

What were your job responsibilities?

Answered calls and welcomed guests at customer service desk 3 days/wk. Managed financial accounts, recorded attendance, and organized inventory. Drafted site data to assess the efficacy of current dance curriculum. Lead discussions with hundreds of students, parents, and teachers about program offerings and payment concerns. (326 characters)

Childcare, Babysitter

Please briefly describe the company or organization where you worked. (250 characters) 

Independent babysitting service. Hired by local parents, teachers, or family. Regular babysitting jobs at 14 separate households in the Chicago suburbs. Services are advertised on several local list serves and safesitter.com for interested families. (250 characters)

What were your job responsibilities?

Worked 3-5 days/wk taking care of two children, ages 1 and 3. Responsibilities included feeding, transporting, and regulating bed times. Took care of children 4-6 hours each day. Learned value of patience, self-reliance, and time management. Provided authority, structure, and stability for toddlers. Gave parents time to relax and focus on work. (347 characters)

Jones-Davis High School Student Store, Manager/Cashier 

Please briefly describe the company or organization where you worked. (250 characters) 

Provides office supplies, school textbooks, snacks, meals, drinks, and branded school gear for purchase. 100-150 items sold each day and profits given to the administration for school improvement projects like a new community garden. (233 characters)

What were your job responsibilities?

Developed student store policies, reviewed resumes, and hired accordingly. Announced new gear arrivals and communicated financial updates to student body Treasurer. Worked twice a week as cashier. Coordinated a project the Environmental Club publicize details about how much methane was released in the production of each food item. (333 characters)

ZogSports LA County Intramural Soccer, Referee

Please briefly describe the company or organization where you worked. (250 characters) 

Online sports community with 120,000+ players in 7 metropolitan areas. Connects people through physical activity and community outreach. Donated over $3.4 million to 2000+ charities since 2002. They offer anything from soccer to touch football. (245 characters)

What were your job responsibilities?

Volunteered as a soccer referee at Zogsports in Chicago for 2 summers. Refereed 20 games per summer, 2-3 times per week. Connected with diverse young people and formed lasting friendships. Improved mental/physical health. Learned to be a team player and a caring, reliable person committed to creating connections through difference. (333 characters)

Korean Compassion, Korean-to-English Letter Translator

Please briefly describe the company or organization where you worked. (250 characters) 

Recruits volunteers to translate letters from a Korean correspondent. 12,000+ volunteers working to strengthen relations between Americans and Koreans. Details: https://www.compassion.com/act/volunteer/roles/us-korean-translator.htm (232 characters).

What were your job responsibilities?

Volunteered for one year as a remote worker (via computer).  Translated letters sent by supporters. Received a Volunteer Service Certificate for devoting 60+ hours of service. Developed Korean writing and translation skills. Formed lasting relationships with 2 impoverished Korean children and provided them with an empathetic support system. (343 characters)

Awards and Honors

Academic All-American, Speech and Debate

What are the eligibility requirements for this award or honor? (250 characters) 

Must have ≥750 NSDA points, completed ≥five semesters of HS, demonstrated outstanding character, and maintained a GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent). 2000 speech and debate students are awarded Academic All-American each year. (238 characters)

What did you do to achieve this award or honor? (350 Characters) 

Award was based off cumulative winning record throughout all four years of HS (54 wins, 13 losses), along with a consistent standard of academic excellence. My qualification for NSDA Districts in NC demonstrated my growth in public speaking. This success, coupled with consistent leadership/productivity at practices earned me recognition. (339 characters)

Player of the Tournament, Lincoln Heights Invitational

What are the eligibility requirements for this award or honor? (250 characters) 

Consistently placing in the top 5 of three or more events, while demonstrating sportsmanship, cordiality, and good-willed team spirit. Only one athlete receives this award each year. Chosen by 5-member board who run the Lincoln Heights Invitational. (250 characters)

What did you do to achieve this award or honor? (350 Characters) 

I participated in the Girls 100 Meter Dash, 400 Meter Dash, and Pole Vault. Placing 2nd, 3rd, and 1st in these events qualified me for recognition. This strong showing was the result of 2-3 hours of intense practice every day. Throughout the tournament, my leadership and kind treatment of my competitors earned me recognition and respect. (340 characters)

Carl Schubert Trophy, New York City Cricket Championship

What are the eligibility requirements for this award or honor? (250 characters) 

A competition between public HS cricket teams in NY. 50 teams entered the 2019 tournament. Each team plays 4 preliminary rounds and moves onto sudden death. Winner must have a winning preliminary record, play 10 games, and defeat final opponent. (245 characters)

What did you do to achieve this award or honor? (350 Characters)  

Winning was the result of our positive, healthy team culture as well as grit and determination, on and off the pitch. Our winning record (13-4-1) in the regular season qualified us for the tournament and practicing 3 hrs/wk conditioned us for a strong showing. Our mental toughness and dynamic resilience pushed us past our competitors. (337 characters)

Brett J. Harman Award, Naval Academy 

What are the eligibility requirements for this award or honor? (250 characters) 

Given annually to the Navy wrestler who demonstrates selfless character in both thought and action. The Academy, in conjunction with the wrestling team coaching staff, chooses one wrestler out of a team of 20-25 to win this award each year. (240 characters)

What did you do to achieve this award or honor? (350 Characters) 

Wrestling was an outlet for me to challenge myself physically and invest in emotionally. My development during my 4 years on the team earned me respect from my teammates and coaches. The 20+ hrs/wk I devoted to wrestling and my ability to celebrate the successes of my teammates demonstrated empathy and love in an unconventional setting. (338 characters)

3rd Place, Whitewater Open Canoe Downriver Nationals

What are the eligibility requirements for this award or honor? (250 characters) 

Took place on the Arkansas River in Colorado. 9 mile course with Class 4 rapids. Two-person teams and a total of 23 teams competing in 2019. Medals awarded to the top 5 finishers and we finished 3rd overall, beating 20 other teams to the finish line. (250 characters).

What did you do to achieve this award or honor? (350 Characters) 

Training required a rigorous, 6-month practice schedule. We trained on class 3 and 4 rapids on the Nantahala and Watauga Rivers. A regular practice meant braving the weather and paddling 2-4 hrs/day. Effective communication, composure during challenging river sequences, physical toughness, and quick-thinking were integral to our strong finish. (346 characters)

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Commission member, Buncombe County Government

Promoted efforts to combat gun violence, mental health challenges, and food insecurities. Regularly updated by city officials about the nature of our work. Attended conferences hosted by other city youth councils to build leadership skills and community involvement. Volunteered 60+ hours for Mobile Market, Habitat for Humanity, and Kids Voting. (347 char)

Founder and President of Model United Nations

Pitched club to school administrators and established 1st official Model UN chapter in Fayetteville, NC. Organized weekly team meetings and coached students for conferences. Awarded "Outstanding Delegate" at the Washington University Model UN Symposium and the Georgia Tech Model UN Conference in 2019. (302 characters)

Intern at the Los Angeles Superior Court

Assisted an LA District Attorney by drafting briefs and assisting with client interviews. Gathered data on local cases regarding education, family, and children’s rights. Attended seminars organized by judicial officials. Learned about the function, history, and role of the Superior Court. Collected, summarized, and tracked relevant news articles. (349 characters)

Research Assistant at the UCLA Psychology Department

Assisted Dr. Negin Ghavemi with a study exploring the relationship between gender, age, and sexual identity. Studied LGBTQ+ inclusion in local schools, looking particularly at the incorporation of non-heteronormative experiences in Southern sex education syllubi. Published findings in the Undergraduate Research Journal of Psychology. (335 characters)

Indian Classical and Bollywood Dancer

SSR Scholarship, VMASC 1st Place Cinematic Dance, KCCNA 3rd pl. in folk, VMASC 1st Pl. Classical Dance, KALA Kalolsavam 1st Pl. Group Dance. One of the 5 dancers selected from ~500 applicants to be featured on Studio 860’s annual International Dance Day video. Choreographed and performed an original dance routine at the 2018 Indian Dance Fest. (345 characters)

Strings Orchestra

Cellist in the school orchestra for 4 years. Showcased in concerts/performances and mentored younger students. 1 of 4 students selected by orchestra director to perform with Duke University String Ensemble at annual winter Blue Devil Fundraiser. Invited to perform with the local jazz quartet Rivendell Brothers at their Eno River Festival debut. (347 characters)

OTHER COURSEWORK (OTHER THAN A-G REQUIREMENTS)

edX and Coursera Courses on Global Health Equity

Completed 3 college courses on Global Health Equity. Learned about health disparities, particularly in relation to cultural gender norms. Investigated Rwandan female reproductive health and drafted an actionable plan for improvement. Interrogated the efficacy of medical education in the US and discussed the importance of technological development. (349 characters)

Graduate of Harvard U's Public Speaking Course

Studied speeches by MLK, Socrates, Winston Churchhill, and James Baldwin. Mastered improvised speech through extemporaneous speaking drills. Learned how to deliver compelling arguments through presentations and individual coaching. Incorporated theatrical skills to make speech delivery more expressive. (304 characters)

Chinese 1 to Chinese 4

Studied Mandarin at Chinese Sunday school to expand cultural understanding and further love for language after testing out of Chinese at school. Improved speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills. Selected as a finalist by NC State’s Confucius Institute for their HS Chinese competition and won Best Talent award. (320 characters)

Introduction to Python

Explored the differences between Python, Java, and C++. Researched programming syntax and basics of Python, designed algorithms to practice using Python’s functions. Coded hangman, tic-tac-toe, conversation-, and 20 questions using Python commands. Collaborated with classmates in Robotics 101 to design a group code for an automated robot. (340 characters)

Ryman Arts Program

Took drawing lessons, sketched still life drawings, and painted models with top 100 HS artists in Southern California. Fine-tuned painting skills by working on joint projects with participants. Attended seminars about job opportunities in the arts. Displayed final portfolio in curated show at the Southern California Museum of Art. (333 characters)

10 TIPS FOR WRITING YOUR UC ACTIVITIES LIST

You only get 160 characters: how do you make the most of them? Some tips:

1. State role and organization name in top box (60 characters), so you don’t waste characters in the lower, 350 character box(es).

Instead of:

School newspaper
I am the editor for the school newspaper

Try:

Editor of International Column, School Newspaper
Responsible for brainstorming, revising, and supervising articles by other writers for my column…

2. Trim ruthlessly.

Because the space you’re using is so limited, the words you choose are incredibly important. 

Actually, let me rephrase: Because your space is limited, your word choice is important. 

One more time: Limited space demands precise wording. 

See what I did there? I cut my character count from 92, to 61, to 37, and the information communicated is still just as clear. 

And are you still using complete sentences? If so, stop. No need here.

So instead of:

I raised money to donate to a school in India by selling t-shirts and bracelets.

You might end up with:

Arranged advertising events, organized fundraisers, and presented to student body at assemblies (400+ students).

3. Aim for variety, making sure your verbs aren’t redundant.

Instead of: Instructed, helped, taught children tennis (how are these three different?)
Try: Instructed in proper technique, while imparting lessons in sportsmanship, health and integrity.

4. Use the present tense if it’s something you still do (and past tense if you no longer do it.)

Instead of: I gave tour campus tours and provided info on school history, student activities, and boarding life.
Try: I give campus tours and provide info on school history, student activities, boarding life.

5. Emphasize tangible, measurable impact. 

Notice for example the “400+ students” inclusion in tip #2 above. This comes as a result of asking questions like “Whom did your activity help? How many people? How much money did you raise?”

Instead of:

Raised money for children in Africa.

Try:

Through bake sales and car washes, we raised $3,000 to provide three uniforms and financial aid scholarships for students attending the Joseph Waweru Home School in Kenya: http://www.exop.org/home_school.html

6. If your role was simply “member” or “participant,” it’s okay to just list the activity. 

In other words, instead of writing Participant, MLK Day of Service
You can just write MLK Day of Service

7. Include any responsibilities that demonstrate leadership skills.

Instead of: I swim on the swim team.
Try: Responsible for leading swim practices, planning fundraising events, assisting in recruiting process.

8. What if there isn’t much to say or it was a one-time event?

Instead of: Tutored students.
Try: Provided support to fourth graders with particularly difficult math concepts.

This works because you’ve explained the significance of the activity: why the event mattered (and to whom).

Or you can…

9. Describe selectivity. This is key if the reader might not understand the achievement your activity represents.

Example: 1 of 2 student leaders elected by my peers to represent our class of 450.

Another example: Received 1st place out of 300 competing teams.

10. Avoid extreme language. 

Instead of: ...to help all those in need (or) to end poverty in the world
Try: ...to help those in need (or) ...to fight against global poverty

PRO TIP: HOW TO PLAN OUT YOUR ADDITIONAL INFO SECTION

If you have a few minutes, it can be useful to think about what might go in your Additional Info section. What is that section? Here's a Brief Guide to the Common App Additional Info Section that explains more, and, though I wrote that post for the Common App, the advice will apply to the Additional Info section of your UC application.

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