What to Write in the Common App Activities Section (Even If You Don’t Have Fancy Activities)

When it comes to college applications such as the common application, high school students often underestimate the power of the Common App Activities Section. It's not just a space to list what you’ve done — it’s a chance to show who you are.

Admissions officers read countless applications from eager high school students. What makes your college application stand out isn’t how many clubs you joined, but how you reflect on your impact, growth, and motivation. College admissions advising can also help with guidance on this, but I have also written the below to hopefully help families of high school students.

Here’s how to elevate your Activities Section from a résumé to a reflection of your unique journey:

1. Prioritize Meaningful Activities

Colleges aren’t looking for a packed list — they’re looking for depth in the Common App activities section. Highlight the experiences where you invested real time, took on responsibility, or made an impact. Long-term commitment often stands out more than short-term participation.

2. Use Strong, Specific Language

Instead of writing “Volunteered at hospital,” say:“Assisted nurses and transported patients at a local hospital; developed communication skills while supporting elderly patients during recovery.”Use action verbs, include results, and avoid vague terms like “helped” or “worked on.” Do not be general; the more specific, the more the person reading can create a visual in their mind.

3. Show Growth and Passion

Were you promoted to a leadership role? Did your experience inspire a new interest? Did you solve a problem or start something new? Colleges want to see how you evolved — not just what you did. For example, if you started as secretary then became the president of a literary magazine, instead of writing: Was secretary and president of magazine club, you could write instead:

Organized submissions for literary magazine as secretary; became president and directed marketing campaigns as well as redesigned the magazine's brand and mission.

Of course, make sure it falls in the word/character count!

4. Connect to Your Larger Story

If you're stuck on which Common App activities to include, you can think about how each activity ties into your academic or personal goals. If you’re aiming for a premed track, you can highlight some of your clinical exposure or science clubs. If you’re interested in social justice, mention some advocacy or policy work.

5. Don’t Forget Non-Traditional Activities

Family responsibilities, part-time jobs, or creative pursuits count, too. These can tell admissions officers more about your values and background than any club might.

Bottom line: Your Common App Activities Section is more than a checklist. It’s a chance to communicate your identity, initiative, and character — all within a limited number of characters. Make each word count.

Need help crafting the perfect Activities Section? Reach out — this is one of my favorite parts of the application to help with as a doctor and college advisor! And I do advise clients of all majors (not just premed students).

Sincerely, Dr. Khan