The portion of the Common Application dedicated to extracurricular involvement provides a space for undergraduate applicants to showcase experiences outside of the classroom. This section allows students to detail up to ten activities, ranging from academic clubs and sports to volunteer work and employment. Each entry includes a brief description of the activity, the applicant’s role, and the time commitment involved. For instance, an applicant might describe their participation in the debate team, specifying their responsibilities, such as research and argumentation, and indicating the number of hours per week dedicated to the activity, as well as the duration of their involvement.
This section is a critical component of the application process, enabling admissions committees to gain a more holistic understanding of an applicant’s interests, skills, and character. It offers insight into an applicant’s ability to manage time, demonstrate leadership, and pursue passions outside of academics. Historically, this part of the application has served as a means to differentiate candidates with similar academic profiles, providing context to understand how an applicant spends their time and contributes to their community.
