Hey, I'm having a hard time figuring out how to write the activities section on my UC app. What kind of information should I include for each activity? And do you guys have any examples or tips for making it stand out?
7 months agoFilling out the activities section on the UC application can be a bit tricky, but with some guidance, you'll be able to make your extracurriculars shine. The UC application allows for up to 20 extracurricular activities, so be selective and prioritize the ones you're most passionate about or have invested the most time in. Here are a few tips on how to write the activities section effectively:
1. Be concise, yet specific: With a limited character count, it's crucial to make every word count. Clearly describe your activity, specifying your role and the duration of your involvement. Use action verbs to highlight your accomplishments and responsibilities. For example, instead of writing, "Participated in school orchestra," try "Played violin in school orchestra for 3 years, with 5 performances annually."
2. Emphasize your impact and leadership: Whenever possible, showcase your impact or improvements you brought about during your involvement in the activity. Mention any leadership roles or notable accomplishments. For instance, "As the debate team captain, led the team to regional finals and mentored 5 new members in research and speech delivery."
3. Highlight recognition and awards: If you received an award or recognition for your involvement in an activity, mention it to illustrate your level of excellence. For example, "Awarded MVP for the varsity soccer team two years in a row, leading to our conference championship."
4. Connect activities to your intended major or future goals: If an extracurricular fits with your overall application theme or intended major, emphasize its relevance. For instance, if you're applying as a computer science major, focus on an activity like coding club or your own programming projects: "Developed 3 personal web applications, with one receiving 500+ daily users."
5. Address any challenges or obstacles overcome: Did you encounter any struggles or significant challenges during your involvement that helped you grow or learn? If so, briefly mention them, as they can reveal resilience and determination. For example, "Balanced 15 hours of weekly practice with AP/honors courses, improving my time management and commitment to excellence."
Remember, the goal is to provide the admissions officers with a better understanding of your extracurricular involvement and the impact you've made. Focus on showcasing your passion, dedication, and what makes you unique, and you'll effectively convey the value of your experiences in the activities section on your UC application. Good luck!
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