<p>Many websites/books urge students to “sell themselves” on their application-to stand out among the thousands of other college hopefuls.</p>
<p>I am very new to the common application process. Are applicants only given one line to write about an entire extracurricular activity? (the line under “Positions held, honors won, letters earned, or employer”) If so, how do you “sell yourself” using that limited space? Is the “uniqueness” found only in the types of activities you do? I’m confused as to how, for example, writing Tennis Team-Captain would “stand out” on the common application. </p>
<p>If what I think about the common application is correct, do highly selective colleges usually prefer a separate resume? If so, what kind of extracurricular description are colleges looking for? Generic (i.e. organized fundraisers) or specific? If any accepted students or current college students are willing to show me an example of how they presented an extracurricular activity in their college application, I would be very grateful.</p>
<p>Thanks so much and sorry for the extremely long post.</p>
<p>There’s enough space there that you can squeeze in a sentence or two to say what you actually did. When people talk about “selling yourself” on the app, they’re probably referring more to the essays, though. You can also attach a resume if you want.</p>
<p>I’m a college consultant. Don’t worry about just one line to describe an activity. Be creative with the character count and use action words. The entire Common Application provides plenty of space for you to tell a complete story about yourself - the Activity List, the Short Answer, and the Personal Essay. Also, the Additonal Information Page can be used to write about anything that wasn’t included. Choose your words and experiences wisely and you will get your story across.</p>
<p>@joanmartinPhD I have a question about breaking down e.c’s. Do I write “tennis team” as the title of the activity and under the description write “team captain” OR do I just put “Tennis team Captain”</p>
<p>Same sort of question with Jazz Band. I’ve been in it since 9th grade, but only first chair since 11th grade. Would I title it “Jazz Band” and in the description put that I was first chair? Or title it “First chair trumpet in Jazz Band” ?</p>
<p>Sorry if any of that was confusing. I appreciate any feedback.</p>