The activity section of the common application only has one line to describe each activity, so how does one talk about an activity that is more complex or important? For example, I’ve played the violin for many years and I have been in a lot of orchestras and clubs and organizations related which will not all fit in the line they give you, but I can’t put each one separately. How do people usually format this section?
My kids would put in an activity called “Music” or “Violin”, then put “See Additional Information”. Then in Additional Information, they would have a header for that activity. Under it they would concisely bullet out their activities & achievements. They chose to put their related awards there, too.
Something like:
- Clarinet in High School Symphony Band (9-12), Orchestra (11-12), and Marching Band (9-12) - 12 hours/week
- First chair Symphony Band (10-12)
- Marching band section leader for 20 students (11-12)
- Solo & Ensemble Awards: Duet, earned Superior rating of 1 (9), Solo earned Superior rating (10,11)
- Attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for 2 weeks (summer after 9-10)
- Gave private lessons to middle school students (10-12), 4 hours/week
So do not write an essay, but bullet out specifics.
My D put her resume in the additional information section primarily because it described her ECs in more depth.