Do colleges look at all 10 activities on Common App?

You can add up to ten activities to your application, but that doesn't mean that you need to enter ten. On average, students applying through Common App report 6 activities. Don't forget, this section is how colleges can get to know more about you.

Should I use all 10 activities on Common App?

Also, remember that you don't have to list ten activities just because the space is available; some require much more of a commitment than others, so it's okay if you only have 5 activities that are time intensive and mean a lot to you.

Do colleges look at all activities on Common App?

Admissions officers read thousands of applications each cycle. They see all sorts of activities lists. And they are trained experts in how to understand them. So, yes.

Do colleges look at all your activities?

Admissions committees also review the extra-academic activities listed on your college application to help decide whether to give you an offer of admission. High school is a time to try new things, learn new skills, and develop new passions.

Do you have to fill out all 10 activities on Common App reddit?

Don't worry about limiting it to 10 if you have more. If you don't have more than 10, that's totally cool too. (IMPORTANT NOTE: You do NOT have to have something listed for each of these! These categories are simply to get you thinking about what you do have):

HOW I GOT INTO HARVARD + 5 other Ivies, MIT, Caltech, & more | EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES + ADVICE

Should you fill out all 10 extracurricular activities?

The Common App has space for students to list ten activities, but you should not feel obligated to fill out all ten. Only fill out all 10 if you've made significant efforts in each of those activities listed.

Is 10 extracurriculars too much?

There is never too many, but you have to show that you are genuinely committed and interested in the activity.

What is considered weak extracurriculars?

The most common “weak” extracurricular profile is simply one that is nonexistent or bare bones. Admissions officers don't want couch potatoes; they want to accept students who will become involved in the learning community. A student with little or no extracurricular involvement is undesirable.

Is junior year too late for extracurriculars?

No need to stress too much about it, it's definitely not too late to join new clubs and activities in your junior year. Colleges appreciate students who show genuine interest in their extracurriculars, and it's better to get involved now than to not get involved at all.

What if I have good grades but no extracurriculars?

When you lack extracurricular activities, emphasizing your academic achievements becomes crucial. Admissions officers highly value a strong academic record, so maintain dedication to your studies and aim for the best possible grades.

How many activities do colleges look for?

Colleges are looking for applicants who are deeply engaged in somewhere between one and a few activities. Often, commitment to these passions lead students to serve in leadership roles, win awards, or accomplish other notable achievements.

Does the order of activities on Common App matter?

Yes, order matters. List your activities in the order of importance to you. If you feel Model UN is the most important, then keep it first.

What percent of colleges look at extracurricular activities?

In a study of four-year colleges during the 2023 admission cycle, the National Association for College Admission Counseling found that 44.3 percent of colleges consider extracurricular activities to be of moderate importance in the admissions decision.

Can you lie on activities on Common App?

While applicants sure can lie — and some may even get away with it for now — they shouldn't. Beyond it being morally wrong, if they get caught, it can cost their admission. Heck, even if they earn admission, it can lead to the revocation of their admission years later.

How many hours should your Common App activities add up to?

14 hours a week are spent socializing, using your smart phone, or personal time. So you only have a maximum of 23 hours a week to do sports, clubs community service, volunteering. Therefore if you put anything more than that like 25-30 hours, college admission officers are not going to think your ECs are believable.

What to do if you have too many activities for Common App?

Don't worry if you have more than 10 activities you want the admission counselors to know about. Many colleges allow you to upload a full extracurricular resume as part of your application. Alternatively, you may be able to find ways to reference additional extracurriculars in your supplemental essays.

Is 12th grade too late for extracurriculars?

Students should start getting involved in extracurriculars as early as possible in their high school career. However, if you're a junior or a senior, don't be discouraged about trying something new or expanding your extracurriculars. At the end of the day, a year's worth of participation is better than none at all.

Is 11th grade too late to start a passion project?

It's never too late to start. I wrote my common app essay on an extracurricular activity that I started at the end of junior year.

Is sophomore year too late to start extracurriculars?

While the earlier you start an activity the better, don't let your age stop you from joining an activity – no matter how long others have been part of it. Whether it be starting your own club senior year or getting a job the summer after sophomore year, don't let being a novice stop you from trying out something new.

What are Tier 1 extracurriculars?

Tier I: Tier I activities are extremely rare. They are reserved for the very best students in the country (or world) at what they do (e.g. All-American Athlete, Olympic Gymnast, National President of DECA, National Debate Champion, etc.)

Does GPA matter more than extracurriculars?

Extracurricular activities are not the most important factor in a college application. Coursework and GPA, for instance, bear more weight.

What are Tier 1 activities?

Tier 1 activities are rare and demonstrate exceptional achievement or leadership. The impressiveness of what a student has accomplished in their pursuit and the scarcity with which such activities are seen make them extremely impactful with admissions officers.

How many clubs do colleges like to see?

Strong applications tend to have between 8 and 10 extracurricular activities. This sounds like a lot, but many activities are seasonal, so it's possible to fit, for example, three to four sports into one year. That being said, the most important thing to keep in mind is quality over quantity.

Do colleges want well-rounded students?

Admissions Officers Want a Well-Rounded Class — Not Well-rounded Students. This is the key distinction: colleges aren't looking for well-rounded students. They want to build a well-rounded class. They desire a group of “pointy” specialists who create a balanced student body when they come together.

How many extracurriculars should I have for Ivy League?

It's most beneficial to have a few (usually around 3-5) substantial extracurriculars that demonstrate depth, leadership, and passion. Ivy League schools typically look for students with unique experiences who excel in a few areas rather than attempting to be well-rounded in numerous activities.