Should I hold back some ECs?

College Admissions Common and Coalition Application
#1

<p>I'm one of those people who filled out the common app activity list completely and still needs more space...</p>

<p>I'm planning on attaching an activity list or resume (still can't decide which; Michelle Hernandez's book vs CC advice) that elaborates some of my most important activities, but there's still the matter of the various clubs I've participated in that are important, but aren't as impressive.</p>

<p>For example, I'm actively involved in Philosophy Club and Model UN, but these clubs are eclipsed by Honor Societies and clubs where I have leadership positions. *Should I list them in my activity list? *</p>

<p>I remember a Princeton admissions officer saying that they really don't want pages and pages of a resume, that after a certain line, the activities become fluff. But Hernandez, in her "model" activity lists, seems to prefer listing everything.</p>

#2

<p>As the Princeton admission officer said, resumes are usually discouraged. Especially if your going to be attaching ECs that don't have significance as opposed to your other ones. So unless you truly feel that providing a resume will expound on some meaningful and important activities then I don't suggest. Just fill out the common app listing your most important ECs first and less important ones after.</p>

#3

<p>Listing everything is foolish. They only care about stuff that's actually meaningful.</p>

<p>That said, attaching a one-page, professionally-presented resume that includes academics, activities, honors, notable experiences, etc. (just as you'd use when applying for a job) and that includes at least some information you haven't already mentioned in your application is an excellent idea.</p>

<p>I strongly recommend attaching such a resume not only because of the chance to include some of the stuff that didn't fit elsewhere (whether due to lack of space or just not fitting into the questions asked), but also because it sums up much of your application in about 45 seconds of reading time, which can help.</p>

<p>Admissions officers don't want to read pages upon pages. They have no problem reading a one-page, concise, clearly-presented resume.</p>