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How to Write Extracurricular Activities

Writing about extracurricular activities on college applications can seem daunting. However, effectively showcasing these activities is pivotal to distinguishing your application. This guide provides insights on crafting compelling narratives for your activities, beginning with the College Essay Guy’s list of action verbs, to help portray your accomplishments vividly. Next, we’ll dive into techniques to select the right activity, structure essays, and turn simple exercises into stand-out essays. For those seeking further clarity and guidance, I offer a step-by-step video course that explores these elements in detail.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

College Essay Guy’s Epic List of Activities List Verbs

When describing extracurricular activities, using dynamic and specific language can give your essay a competitive edge. The College Essay Guy has curated an epic list of activities list verbs that transforms mundane descriptions into engaging stories. Action verbs, such as ‘orchestrated,’ ‘facilitated,’ and ‘innovated,’ contribute to a powerful narrative by highlighting the active roles you played in your extracurricular pursuits.

Focusing on strong verbs instead of generic ones helps you communicate your genuine impact and responsibilities. Instead of saying you “helped with the school newspaper,” you could say you “spearheaded content creation for the school newspaper.” This shift in language highlights your leadership skills and commitment, presenting you as proactive and driven to admissions committees.

How do I decide which extracurricular activity to write about?

Choosing which extracurricular activities to focus on can be challenging, but it’s crucial to select those that align with the narrative you wish to convey. Reflect on the activities that have shaped your identity, honed your skills, or exemplified personal growth. Consider which experiences have uniquely impacted your worldview or future aspirations. Such reflections allow you to showcase your individuality and the depth of your character.

Think about relevance. If you’re applying for a program in environmental sciences, an outstanding essay would involve your leadership in a sustainability club, demonstrating your commitment to this field. Remember, the quality of your engagement outweighs the quantity. Admissions officers are looking for authenticity and meaningful contributions over a laundry list of half-hearted activities.

How to Structure Your Extracurricular Essay

Boring essay:

A typical boring essay lacks depth and engagement. For instance, simply listing duties like “attended meetings” or “participated in events” doesn’t offer insights into your personal contributions or growth. This kind of writing leaves the admissions committee without a tangible sense of your involvement’s impact on you or others.

Such essays might focus overly on describing the organization rather than your personal journey within it. Detailing your position without showcasing the challenges you overcame or initiatives you’ve pioneered misses an opportunity to convey your agency and potential.

Stand-out essay:

A stand-out essay integrates personal reflections with specifics, weaving a story that captivates the reader. Begin by setting the scene: describe challenges you faced, the innovative approaches you took, and the outcomes of your actions. Highlight leadership moments or learning experiences that caused personal growth or left a lasting impact on the community.

By choosing to reveal your motivations and emotions, coupled with the results your efforts yielded, you create a compelling narrative. This nuanced portrayal not only emphasizes the activity itself but also mirrors your values and ambitions, making a lasting impression on the admission panel.

How to Turn This Exercise Into an Essay

Start by brainstorming the elements of your extracurricular activity – what made it significant to you personally? Distill these ideas into a concise story with a clear arc, ensuring that the narrative is both persuasive and reflective. Consider using the classic storytelling arc: situation, action, and result, to outline your experiences vividly.

Peer reviews can be invaluable at this stage. Feedback helps ensure that your personal voice is strong and your story resonates. After drafting, edit meticulously for clarity and conciseness, embracing the power of anecdotes to drive home your achievements and character traits.

WANT HELP writing YOUR Supplemental Essays? CHECK OUT MY STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO COURSE.

Writing supplemental essays can be overwhelming, but guidance is available. My step-by-step video course offers detailed lessons and insights on crafting standout essays. It breaks down each component needed to enhance the authenticity and impact of your essays, helping you present your best self to admissions committees.

Through the course, you’ll explore strategies to identify your narrative thread, refine your storytelling abilities, and tackle common mistakes that students often make. By fully engaging with these lessons, you position yourself to write with confidence and creativity.

Lessons Learned

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