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University of California (/blog?category=University+of+California)

How to Write Your UC Activities

List (/blog/guide-uc-activities- EXPLORE CEG:

list-application-example)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (https://www.collegeessayguy.com/co

essay-courses)
(Click to scroll)
Check out our library of live
Three Tools for Up-Leveling Your UC Activities List and on demand video courses
at Pay-What-You-Can prices.
1. The Epic List of Activities List Verbs
2. The BEABIES Exercise
3. The Values Scan
10 Tips for Making Your Activities List Awesome
Activities List FAQs
Great UC Activities List Examples

If you’re looking for tips on how to write an awesome activities list for the University of
California application system, you’ve come to the right place.

The UC Activities List is the dedicated space on the UC application where you list and (https://www.collegeessayguy.com/w
b i fl d ib h ’ t ll f ti t id f l I dditi t
briefly describe how you’ve spent all of your time outside of class. In addition to your live-events)
grades, your test scores, and your responses to the UC Personal Insight Questions, this is
Check out the latest free live
your chance to stand out and show how you’ll likely contribute once you’re on the UC events from the CEG Team.
campus of your choice.

The UC application will ask you to split your activities list into…

1. Award or honor
2. Educational Prep Programs
3. Extracurricular activity
4. Other coursework
5. Volunteer / Community Service
(http://bit.ly/2rZ9nEV)
6. Work experience
Order the Book: College Essay
You get to list up to 20 for any of these categories. Essentials

Why is the UC Activities List so important?

While your Personal Insight Questions show who you are, your activities list shows what
you’ve done. Keywords: leadership, responsibility, impact.

The UC Activities List is more comprehensive than the Common App Activities List
(https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/guide-college-activities-list-common-app-
example-application). Why? Because the UC Activities List
(http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/files/presenting-yourself-uc-
application-freshman.pdf) gives you up to 20 blanks for inputting your activities and
awards, and up to 350 characters of space for describing each activity.

However, the Common App only gives you space for 10 activities (and 150 character
descriptions), as well as 5 honors and awards.

Pro Tip: If you’re applying to the UCs and Common App schools, make your UC Activities
List first, then choose your top 10 for the Common App and cut down the 350 characters
descriptions to 150 characters as needed.

Looking for some amazing examples of Personal Insight Questions? We’ve got you.
(https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/uc-essay-examples-personal-insight-
questions)
While many students simply list their activities in a straightforward manner, I’d like to
persuade you to spend a bit more time on this part of the process. Why?

“Extracurricular activities can be a great opportunity to see how an applicant has self-
directed their passions and interests,” says Jorge Delgado, Associate Director of
International Admissions at Brandeis. “There are only so many hours in the day so seeing
how a student has involved themselves outside the academic arena is a great way of
understanding their potential fit for a university campus.”

The more competitive the school, the more important how you’ve spent your time outside
of class will be.

(https://info.collegeessayguy.com/uc-piq-boot-camp)

Why should you spend 30 minutes up-leveling it?

Your activities list can make a big difference in your application.

Want proof? Compare these two:

Art

Created art and organized club.

Founder, Art Honors Society @ Lincoln High

Organized and ran bi-weekly meetings, set up field trips to the local museum of
modern art, brainstormed and created group art activities including world art day and
a kaleidoscopic art installation on campus, wrote and sent newsletter to members.

Most students write a pretty good activities list description and then they stop there. But it
doesn’t take long to up-level an activities list from pretty good to great.

Here’s how to make it happen.

BUT FIRST, AN EXAMPLE DESCRIPTION:

Example of a Common App Description (150 characters)
 Commission member, Buncombe County Government
Discussed issues facing Durham youth, coordinated outreach projects to combat
gun violence, provided input on local problems, volunteered regularly. (148 chars)

Example of an expansion for a UC Description (350 characters):

Commission member, Buncombe County Government

Promoted efforts to combat gun violence, mental health challenges, and food
insecurities. Regularly updated by city officials about the nature of our work.
Attended conferences hosted by other city youth councils to build leadership skills
and community involvement. Volunteered 60+ hours for Mobile Market, Habitat for
Humanity, and Kids Voting. (347 char)

This student does a great job of maximizing the space allowed in the UC application to
talk about what they did, what responsibilities they held, and the impact they had in the
organization.

Want to learn how to write a great description like that? I’m glad you asked. That’s what
we’ll dive into in just a second. But real quick…

UC FINANCIAL AID CALCULATOR

One last thing before we dive into UC Activities List descriptions: I want to make sure that
you know this UC Financial Aid Calculator
(https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/estimate-your-aid.html?
mc_cid=8ffa771a83&mc_eid=420e49c8b9) exists, since paying for college
(https://www.collegeessayguy.com/paying-for-college/home) is (obviously) a really
important part of the process to consider.

Cool. Let’s dive back in.

THREE TOOLS FOR UP-LEVELING YOUR UC

ACTIVITIES LIST
1. THE EPIC LIST OF ACTIVITIES LIST VERBS.

You probably need stronger verbs in your activities list. How do I know? I’ve seen
hundreds of Activities Lists and most need stronger verbs.

Compare this somewhat general description by a student who was in the debate club.

Member, Debate Team

Debated topics, attended tournaments, researched topics.

Shall we break that down right quick?

• Debated topics (um, redundant)

• Attended tournaments (we assumed?)
 • Researched topics (I hope so!)

BTW I am so much nicer and less sarcastic in real life—just employing it here to make a
point.

Here’s a much clearer, more interesting, and varied description:

Member, Rosary High Debate Team

I lead research and case writing, mentor younger debate students, organize
mock debates, host an annual debate tournament. See Add’l Info for Awards.

FRIENDS, LOOK AT THOSE VERBS:

• “lead” (BOOM)
• “mentor” (YES)
• “organize” (SIZZLE)
• “host” (POP)

That’s what I’m talking about. I’m like, “Oh, now I get what debate looks like to you.” But
wait, what makes a verb stronger?

A stronger verb… is more specific.

Example: “taught” is fine, but did you coach, mentor, train, or demystify?

A stronger verb… often provides more information.

Example: “organize” is fine, but did you arrange, catalog, compile, or systematize?

A stronger verb… just sounds better.

A few examples I like: mediate, publicize, administer, or plagiarize (I’m kidding about
plagiarize).

I know, some of you are probably wondering: “But Ethan, which verbs should I use?”

Behold..

COLLEGE ESSAY GUY'S EPIC LIST OF ACTIVITIES LIST VERBS

(HTTPS://DRIVE.GOOGLE.COM/FILE/D/13_M1GOTAG9-
C9RZALT5S7DGOJEH4XMLQ/VIEW?USP=SHARING)

Important Note About Overdoing Verbs

You want your resume to be in your own words, to sound like you. Overwriting can
make it sound like you hired a professional to write your resume, which can detract
from your application. So, unless it’s the one and only word that perfectly captures
what you did, avoid using “corporate verbs.” See some examples of the words below.
I’m not going to say “100% DO NOT use these words.” At the very least, I am saying
“Proceed with caution.”

“Corporate” Verbs I Would Caution Against Using on Your Activities List

allocated familiarized projected

 p j
apprised formalized queried
arbitrated forecasted standardized
audited forged simulated
augmented fostered stimulated
briefed interceded substantiated
dispatched maximized transmitted
executed outpaced validated
expedited presided yielded

Heads up: Using this list for ten minutes will up-level your Activities List verbs, and
thereby your descriptions.

But wait. We’re not done yet. Here’s the second tool for up-leveling your Activities List:

2. THE BEABIES EXERCISE

What’s the BEABIES exercise? Simply the Best Extracurricular Activity Brainstorm I’ve Ever
Seen.

It’s great for developing better content for your activities list.

Instructions: Spend 5-8 minutes filling out a BEABIES chart per activity on your list to
generate plenty of content for your Activities List descriptions. Use the 25 questions
below the chart for ideas.

Activity: [Name it here]

WHAT I DID PROBLEMS I LESSONS IMPACT I HOW I

SOLVED LEARNED/SKILLS HAD APPLIED
I GAINED WHAT I
LEARNED
The key These Tip: Use the This is super How did you
here is problems Values Exercise important. apply
active verbs. could be: for this lessons
Tip: Use from the
Tip: Use the - Personal numbers activity
“Epic List of - Family and actual beyond the
Activities - Local quotes to activity
List Verbs” I - support itself?
just shared Community your bullet
with you - School points See
- State-level examples
- National below.
- Global

After a few minutes, your chart may look something like this:

Example Activity: Chinese Dance Club

WHAT I DID PROBLEMS I LESSONS IMPACT I HOW I

 SOLVED LEARNED/SKILLS HAD APPLIED
I GAINED WHAT I
LEARNED
Practiced every Feeling Became more Grew closer Used
Sunday morning disconnected goal-oriented. to the teaching
for 2.5 hours for from Chinese values of skills while
9 years. culture and Managed and Chinese tutoring
community. kept a record of culture, as peers in
Performed at thousands of there is Chemistry.
Chinese New Not much dollars. always a
Year festivals for connection story behind Lessons in
9 years. to relatives in Learned... ...to every leadership
China. articulate and dance. helped me
Danced in junior explain my manage
group for four Club was thoughts to Relatives in board
years, senior struggling to younger dancers. China members in
group for five maintain watched my club.
years, senior steady funds. ...how to handle links to my
small group for conflicting dances, Continued
three years. Improving interests from allowing us to reach out
technique group leaders to connect to my
Served as club and artistry in and dancers’ more on community
treasurer, Chinese parents. phone calls. about other
managing club- dancing. causes I
related funds ...our surrounding Developed cared
and handling Difficulty community is a sense of deeply
reimbursements. transitioning actually open to community about,
to Chinese supporting our within the helping to
Organized dancing from group. group of fundraise for
fundraiser at the ballet. dancers and annual
Chinese Dragon ...to express my parents. event.
Boat festival that Difficulty individuality in a
raised over articulating way that I didn’t Showed Helped me
$2000 for the ideas and with ballet. beauty of become
club. thoughts. Chinese more
...every movement culture to expressive
Served as club Our and pose has its local and seek
Vice President. community own nuances. community. other
lacked outlets of
Won Honorable Chinese ...how to expression.
Mention at the cultural choreograph and
Chinese School events. adapt a dance
Association in based on material
the United from past dance
States (CSAUS). groups and
videos.

...to remain patient

and forgiving
while teaching.

i l i f i ii i
 25 Questions to Help You Brainstorm More Content for Your UC Activities List

What I Did (Day-to-Day):

• Did I list all my tasks, or just a few? What’d I forget? Go back and check.
• Did I list tasks I completed that fell slightly outside the scope of my responsibilities?
• Did I leave off any awards? Any uncommon achievements?

Problems I Solved:

• Did I consider the internal problems I solved—any personal challenges?

• Did I name the external problems I solved for my friends or family? School?
Community?
• Was I tackling a much larger (perhaps global) problem?

Lessons I learned & Values/Skills I Developed:

• What were some of the soft skills I learned (patience, communication, etc.)?
• Did I learn any specific software (Photoshop, Final Cut Pro)? Languages (Spanish,
C++)? Survival skills (how to start a fire or clean a fish)?
• What am I better at now than I was before?
• What would I have done differently?

Impact I Had (On Self, School, Community and/or Society)

• Did I consider the impact this had on my family? Friends? School? Who else
benefited?
• What impact did this have on me personally? Did this change my life/perspective?
How?

Applications to Other Parts of School/Life:

• What skills did I develop and lessons did I learn that will make me a better X (tutor,
debater, advocate, volunteer, programmer, fill in the blank)? How so?
• What did I do to build on and take what I learned to the next level?
• What surprised me about this experience?
• How might I continue this activity during college and beyond?

FYI: Spend 10-15 minutes filling out a BEABIES chart using these 25 questions and (bonus)
you’ll have enough content for pretty much any extracurricular activity essay, too.

Here’s the third tool for up-leveling your Activities List:

3. THE VALUES SCAN

The Values Scan is a great way to make sure your core values are apparent throughout
your application. If you haven’t completed the values exercise, you can do that here.
(https://www.collegeessayguy.com/cwiab-student-15-values-exercise) It’s an awesome
(and quick) way to figure out what your 3-5 core values are.

You’re about to use it to make your Activities List EXPLODE with depth and variety. How?
Like this:

Pi k f th UC ti iti li t d i ti ’ itt d k f it th th
Pick one of the UC activities list descriptions you’ve written and ask of it these three
questions:

1. Which values are clearly being revealed in the description?

2. Which values are kind of being revealed, but could probably be revealed more
clearly in the description?
3. Which values are not in the description at all yet, but perhaps could be included?

Take this description as an example, written by a student who was secretary of her Red
Cross Club:

Responsible for taking minutes, updating calendar and active member list,
communicating with advisors, acting as a liaison to our local chapter.

Okay, now ask those three questions:

1. Which values is this description clearly revealing?

I see the author is:

• Organized: “taking minutes” and “updating calendar”

• Responsible and collaborative: “communicating with advisors” and “acting as liaison”

Do you see others? Maybe! But this is a good start. Okay, next ask...

2. Which values could be revealed more clearly in the description?

Reading the example above, I’m curious if the author might demonstrate leadership more
clearly. She hints at some responsibilities, but I wonder if she could delete “updating
calendar and active member list” in favor of a detail more clearly demonstrating
leadership skills.

I might ask the student if she can think of something she did that might demonstrate
leadership. (If not, that’s okay! This is a process of asking questions and seeing what
variety might be possible. But we’re not in the business of making stuff up—see warning
note below.) I’d also wonder if the description could more clearly demonstrate the
author’s commitment to health—this is the Red Cross, after all—or perhaps social change.

Finally, ask:

3. Which values are not in the description at all yet, but perhaps could be?

To determine the answer for this student, it helps to know the author. I happen to know
one of this author’s core values was adaptability. So I asked her: Did working with the Red
Cross help you become more adaptable? If so, how? What detail might show this?

Once you’ve written a new draft, hand your activities and awards list to a trusted editor.
They should have your Values Exercise nearby for reference so they can assess how well
you’re demonstrating your values. Here’s an example:

Indian Tabla
Self-taught via YouTube videos; played drums at community meetings for worker
rights awareness; helped my sister become proficient.

I see these values:

• Ambition: “Self-taught…”
• Social change: “Played drums at community meetings for worker rights awareness”
 • Family, helping others: “helped sister become more proficient”

See how that works? And you’ll get even more room than this student did, so take your
time and rock those values.

Goal: Include 2-3 values per activity. If you can achieve this, just think: your list could
demonstrate 20 or 30 values! That’s rad. But don’t drive yourself crazy with this. If your
Activities List shows a nice variety of 10 or so values, that’s enough. Really.

Once you’ve got some great verbs and some great content, here are:

10 TIPS FOR WRITING YOUR UC ACTIVITIES

LIST

You get 350 characters: how do you make the most of them? Here are some tips:

1. State role and organization name in top box (60 characters), so you don’t waste
characters in the lower, 350 character box(es).

Instead of:

School newspaper
I am the editor for the school newspaper

Try:

Editor of International Column, School Newspaper

Responsible for brainstorming, revising, and supervising articles by other writers for
my column…

2. Trim ruthlessly.

Because the space you’re using is so limited, the words you choose are incredibly
important.

Actually, let me rephrase: Because your space is limited, your word choice is important.

One more time: Limited space demands precise wording.

See what I did there? I cut my character count from 92, to 61, to 37, and the information
communicated is still just as clear.

And are you still using complete sentences? If so, stop. No need here.

So instead of:

I raised money to donate to a school in India by selling t-shirts and bracelets.

You might end up with:

Arranged advertising events, organized fundraisers, and presented to student body at

assemblies (400+ students).

3. Aim for variety, making sure your verbs aren’t redundant.

Instead of: Instructed, helped, taught children tennis (how are these three different?)
Try: Instructed in proper technique, while imparting lessons in sportsmanship, health
 and integrity.

4. Use the present tense if it’s something you still do (and past tense if you no longer
do it.)

Instead of: I gave tour campus tours and provided info on school history, student
activities, and boarding life.
Try: I give campus tours and provide info on school history, student activities, boarding
life.

5. Emphasize tangible, measurable impact.

Notice for example the “400+ students” inclusion in tip #2 above. This comes as a result of
asking questions like “Whom did your activity help? How many people? How much
money did you raise?”

Instead of:

Raised money for children in Africa.

Try:

Through bake sales and car washes, we raised $3,000 to provide three uniforms and
financial aid scholarships for students attending the Joseph Waweru Home School in
Kenya: http://www.exop.org/home_school.html

6. If your role was simply “member” or “participant,” it’s okay to just list the activity.

In other words, instead of writing Participant, MLK Day of Service

You can just write MLK Day of Service

7. Include any responsibilities that demonstrate leadership skills.

Instead of: I swim on the swim team.

Try: Responsible for leading swim practices, planning fundraising events, assisting in
recruiting process.

8. What if there isn’t much to say or it was a one-time event?

Instead of: Tutored students.

Try: Provided support to fourth graders with particularly difficult math concepts.

This works because you’ve explained the significance of the activity: why the event
mattered (and to whom).

Or you can…

9. Describe selectivity. This is key if the reader might not understand the achievement
your activity represents.

Example: 1 of 2 student leaders elected by my peers to represent our class of 450.

Another example: Received 1st place out of 300 competing teams.

10. Avoid extreme language.

Instead of: ...to help all those in need (or) to end poverty in the world
Try: ...to help those in need (or) ...to fight against global poverty

See how the student in the first example used these tips?
 “Stretching the Truth” on your UC Activities List: A Cautionary Tale

I once knew a student who had participated in some wonderful activities. She was a
class officer, school club founder, nonprofit volunteer and former intern. With a near-
perfect GPA and test scores, she was applying to some of the most highly selective
universities in the world. Once her applications had been submitted, however, her
counselor revealed to me that the student had falsified parts of her application. She’d
listed a trip she hadn’t actually taken, for example, made up a leadership role, and
padded her hours.

What happened to her? Initially, she was accepted by several highly selective
schools. But when one admission officer noticed application details that didn’t line up
with her counselor’s recommendation letter, they brought it to the counselor’s
attention. After a little research, the counselor found the same inconsistencies and
was professionally obligated to inform the highly selective schools that the student’s
application contained, for lack of a better word, “alternative facts.” (She’d lied.)

When the student was confronted, she claimed she had “stretched the truth” and
hadn’t technically lied. As far as the counselor and admission officer were concerned
in this case, however, “stretching the truth” and “lying” were pretty much the same
thing.

As a result, the student’s acceptances to those universities were rescinded. In other

words: although she was initially accepted, she was ultimately rejected. Worst of all, it
damaged her reputation and relationship with her counselors, her principal, and me.

Please don’t lie on your Activities List. Don’t even stretch the truth. Same goes for your
essays too. But you know this.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UC

ACTIVITIES LIST

Q: What if I didn’t do much for the activity and I don’t have much to say?

A: If you aren't participating in many or any extracurriculars, ask yourself: why? And I’m not
assuming you should be, I’m really asking… why? Perhaps a better, less confronting way of
asking this is: What values have become more important to you than extracurricular
activities?

Do you have to work or provide childcare for your family, for example? Do you have and
enjoy an intense academic load? Has a particular health or life challenge prevented you
from getting more involved in extracurricular activities? Or maybe you practice
gymnastics eight hours a day?

If so, mention this in your Additional Comments section

(https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/UC-application-additional-comments-
examples), as that will help admission officers see your Activities List within the context of
your life experiences.

Q: What if I feel like I haven’t done “enough”?

 g

First, stop comparing! It’ll drive you crazy. Next, some questions to ask:

1. Have you remembered everything you’ve done? Try sitting down with a parent or
friend who can help you remember stuff you might’ve forgotten you did.
2. How could you explore some things that are important to you, gain some
experiences, or learn some new skills in the time left before your application is due?
Heads-up: admission officers can usually spot it when a student is loading up
activities in 12th grade just to pad their activities lists. That’s not quite what I’m talking
about doing. If you have a few months before it’s time to apply, however, ask
yourself, “What can I do that I’d enjoy doing?” But if you’ve remembered everything
and you’re submitting your application soon...
3. Focus on what you can control. Use the resources above--the Epic Verbs List,
BEABIES and questions, and Values Scan--to describe what you did in a way that’s
clear and varied.

Q: Is it better to have a few really strong activities (less is more) or should I list
everything I’ve done (more is more)?

I find counselors are divided into two camps on this: “less is more” and “more is more.”
Here’s a quick comparison chart:

POTENTIAL PROS POTENTIAL CONS

You list only your most important You leave off some stuff you did,
Less is
endeavors, demonstrating focus risking an incomplete portrait of
more
and commitment. yourself in your application.
Some of your listed activities don’t
You include everything you’ve done,
More is mean a whole lot to you. It may
demonstrating a wide range of
more seem as if you’re trying too hard to
interests and achievements.
impress.

When I asked Brian Liechti of Warren Wilson College what he prefers, he said, “It
depends! I would rather see meaningful, current activities that also show up elsewhere in
an essay or a letter of recommendation. This adds weight and validation to what a student
includes as an activity and I know it was a more impactful experience. But uncommon
activities can add flair and character, especially if those activities are also represented on
campus.”

In short, the choice is yours.

Q: What if a multi-dimensional activity is impossible to describe in 350 characters?

A: Write a short description in the Activities List, then put additional information into the
Additional Comments or Academic History sections. Here’s an example of such an activity:

Creator, AquaVR
Researched, brainstormed, created 3 prototypes for virtual reality scuba gear.
Recognized statewide. Developing app with Siemens. (See add’l comments.)

That little note at the end signals the activity’s richness while directing the reader to find
out more in the UC Additional Comments section. For more information about how to use
the UC Additional Comments and Academic History sections, click here.
(https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/UC-application-additional-comments-
 p g yg y g pp
examples)

Now for some examples. Here are a few great example descriptions to help drum up
some inspiration for writing your own activities list:

A FEW UC ACTIVITIES LIST EXAMPLES THAT

WORK

EDUCATIONAL PREP PROGRAMS

Yosemite Backpacking Excursion

Learned survival skills and took part in leadership training. Orienteered and rationed food
for a 10-day backpacking trip from Half Dome to Glacier Point. Explored ecology of Sierra
Nevada Bighorn Sheep. Coordinated hiking routes and organized base camp cooking,
sleeping, and traveling supplies. Rappelled down the Sunnyside Bench Route. (339
characters)

Narrative Writing Workshop

Attended a workshop that focused on narrative writing. Discussed the difference in tone
between stories written by O’Connor, Twain, and Chopin. Developed personal portfolio of
poetry, short stories, and non-fiction narratives. Peer-edited other participants’ written
work. Published a fictional short story in end-of-workshop print journal. (340 characters)

Independent Study

Researched, presented thesis as Interim Semester project on Singapore’s aging

population. Created actionable plan to improve living conditions for elderly. Utilized
census data to analyze socioeconomic status in relation to population demographics.
Designed interactive website cross-referencing average age of inhabitants with poverty
rates. (342 characters)

VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY SERVICE

Intern at Children’s Institute Otis Booth Campus

Please describe the organization, program, school, or group (250 characters):

Works across LA to help impoverished children who are exposed to adversity (emotional
abuse, violence, neglect, or other forms of trauma). Serves over 26,000 children every
year by providing early education, behavioral health, and family services. (247 characters)

What did you do? (350 characters)

Brainstormed after-school programs to increase creative productivity. Analyzed the

interests of local young people. Investigated strategies for promoting
academic/extracurricular interest among disaffected youth. Presented data to supervisor
and worked with coordinators to implement YouthWorks, an initiative to engage
impoverished children in LA. (348 characters)

Member of Civics Committee

Please describe the organization, program, school, or group (250 characters):

A student-led committee devoted to educating 40 9th graders in Cook County to
strengthen their productive leadership and civic engagement. Each student works a
minimum of 20 hrs/wk to develop strong relationships and instill a desire to give back.
(248 characters)

What did you do? (350 characters)

Provided mentorship to 9th graders at Lincoln Park HS. Led discussions about exercising
responsible citizenship. Responsible for assigning tutors, coordinating social events, and
sending out weekly updates to committee advisors. Organized GirlsGetUp event to
promote social, ethical, and political literacy for 300+ middle school girls in Chicago. (347
characters)

Street Soccer Program

Please describe the organization, program, school, or group (250 characters):

Targeted towards 6-18 year olds who make up 33% of impoverished youth. In 10 years, it
has positively impacted 15,000+ youth in 14 US cities by improving youth communication,
collaboration, self-confidence, and mutual respect. (226 characters)

What did you do? (350 characters)

Advocated for funding a Street Soccer USA program with the County Fair Fundraising
Committee. Collaborated with Committee to create programming for children in Chatham
County. Coordinated a meet-and-greet lunch with NC Courage to inspire participants.
Planned 4 soccer games. Supervised referees, staff, and volunteers from pick-up to drop-
off. (344 characters)

American Water Works Association, Volunteer

Please describe the organization, program, school, or group (250 characters):

International nonprofit dedicated to providing water to those who need it. Membership
4,300+ utilities that supply ~80% of US drinking water. Advocates for sustainable water,
shares knowledge about filtration, and fosters civic engagement (239 characters)

What did you do? (350 characters)

Volunteered at Centre for Caregivers events. Led a presentation on how to support public
health initiatives through civic engagement. Held weekly discussions about sustainable
water development. Surveyed local farms to determine potability of groundwater. Helped
write proposal to create better water filtration infrastructure in Duval County. (343
characters)

Global Partners for International Orientation

Please describe the organization, program, school, or group (250 characters):

Introduces international students at Brinton HS to American cultural, social, and political

life. Provides 4 events per semester for the 20 permanent international students. Designs
training programs for Global Partners in 5 other schools. (239 characters).

What did you do? (350 characters)

Assisted 6 new international students with class registration and adjustment to school.
Created bi-monthly meetings for students to voice concerns and explore cultural
differences/similarities. Organized peer-mentorship program for first semester. Hosted an
orientation day for incoming students to learn more about American campus life and
culture. (349 characters)

WORK EXPERIENCE
Shingari's School of Rhythm, Administrative Assistant

Please briefly describe the company or organization where you worked. (250 characters)

Teaches Bollywood cinematic dancing and instills a love of Indian culture. Serves ~2,000
students. Recognized as Best Intro Bollywood dance studio by The Centerwork: Bollywood
Dance Magazine. Locations in Houston, LA, San Francisco, and Chicago. (245 characters)

What were your job responsibilities?

Answered calls and welcomed guests at customer service desk 3 days/wk. Managed
financial accounts, recorded attendance, and organized inventory. Drafted site data to
assess the efficacy of current dance curriculum. Lead discussions with hundreds of
students, parents, and teachers about program offerings and payment concerns. (326
characters)

Childcare, Babysitter

Please briefly describe the company or organization where you worked. (250 characters)

Independent babysitting service. Hired by local parents, teachers, or family. Regular

babysitting jobs at 14 separate households in the Chicago suburbs. Services are
advertised on several local list serves and safesitter.com for interested families. (250
characters)

What were your job responsibilities?

Worked 3-5 days/wk taking care of two children, ages 1 and 3. Responsibilities included
feeding, transporting, and regulating bed times. Took care of children 4-6 hours each day.
Learned value of patience, self-reliance, and time management. Provided authority,
structure, and stability for toddlers. Gave parents time to relax and focus on work. (347
characters)

Jones-Davis High School Student Store, Manager/Cashier

Please briefly describe the company or organization where you worked. (250 characters)

Provides office supplies, school textbooks, snacks, meals, drinks, and branded school
gear for purchase. 100-150 items sold each day and profits given to the administration for
school improvement projects like a new community garden. (233 characters)

What were your job responsibilities?

Developed student store policies, reviewed resumes, and hired accordingly. Announced
new gear arrivals and communicated financial updates to student body Treasurer. Worked
twice a week as cashier. Coordinated a project the Environmental Club publicize details
about how much methane was released in the production of each food item. (333
characters)

ZogSports LA County Intramural Soccer, Referee

Please briefly describe the company or organization where you worked. (250 characters)
Online sports community with 120,000+ players in 7 metropolitan areas. Connects people
through physical activity and community outreach. Donated over $3.4 million to 2000+
charities since 2002. They offer anything from soccer to touch football. (245 characters)

What were your job responsibilities?

Volunteered as a soccer referee at Zogsports in Chicago for 2 summers. Refereed 20

games per summer, 2-3 times per week. Connected with diverse young people and
formed lasting friendships. Improved mental/physical health. Learned to be a team
player and a caring, reliable person committed to creating connections through
difference. (333 characters)

Korean Compassion, Korean-to-English Letter Translator

Please briefly describe the company or organization where you worked. (250 characters)

Recruits volunteers to translate letters from a Korean correspondent. 12,000+ volunteers

working to strengthen relations between Americans and Koreans. Details:
https://www.compassion.com/act/volunteer/roles/us-korean-translator.htm
(https://www.compassion.com/act/volunteer/roles/us-korean-translator.htm) (232
characters).

What were your job responsibilities?

Volunteered for one year as a remote worker (via computer). Translated letters sent by
supporters. Received a Volunteer Service Certificate for devoting 60+ hours of service.
Developed Korean writing and translation skills. Formed lasting relationships with 2
impoverished Korean children and provided them with an empathetic support system.
(343 characters)

AWARDS & HONORS

Academic All-American, Speech and Debate

What are the eligibility requirements for this award or honor? (250 characters)

Must have ≥750 NSDA points, completed ≥five semesters of HS, demonstrated
outstanding character, and maintained a GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent). 2000
speech and debate students are awarded Academic All-American each year. (238
characters)

What did you do to achieve this award or honor? (350 Characters)

Award was based off cumulative winning record throughout all four years of HS (54 wins,
13 losses), along with a consistent standard of academic excellence. My qualification for
NSDA Districts in NC demonstrated my growth in public speaking. This success, coupled
with consistent leadership/productivity at practices earned me recognition. (339
characters)

Player of the Tournament, Lincoln Heights Invitational

What are the eligibility requirements for this award or honor? (250 characters)

Consistently placing in the top 5 of three or more events, while demonstrating

sportsmanship, cordiality, and good-willed team spirit. Only one athlete receives this
award each year. Chosen by 5-member board who run the Lincoln Heights Invitational.
(250 characters)

What did you do to achieve this award or honor? (350 Characters)

I participated in the Girls 100 Meter Dash, 400 Meter Dash, and Pole Vault. Placing 2nd,
3rd, and 1st in these events qualified me for recognition. This strong showing was the
result of 2-3 hours of intense practice every day. Throughout the tournament, my
leadership and kind treatment of my competitors earned me recognition and respect.
(340 characters)

Carl Schubert Trophy, New York City Cricket Championship

What are the eligibility requirements for this award or honor? (250 characters)

A competition between public HS cricket teams in NY. 50 teams entered the 2019
tournament. Each team plays 4 preliminary rounds and moves onto sudden death.
Winner must have a winning preliminary record, play 10 games, and defeat final
opponent. (245 characters)

What did you do to achieve this award or honor? (350 Characters)

Winning was the result of our positive, healthy team culture as well as grit and
determination, on and off the pitch. Our winning record (13-4-1) in the regular season
qualified us for the tournament and practicing 3 hrs/wk conditioned us for a strong
showing. Our mental toughness and dynamic resilience pushed us past our competitors.
(337 characters)

Brett J. Harman Award, Naval Academy

What are the eligibility requirements for this award or honor? (250 characters)

Given annually to the Navy wrestler who demonstrates selfless character in both thought
and action. The Academy, in conjunction with the wrestling team coaching staff, chooses
one wrestler out of a team of 20-25 to win this award each year. (240 characters)

What did you do to achieve this award or honor? (350 Characters)

Wrestling was an outlet for me to challenge myself physically and invest in emotionally.
My development during my 4 years on the team earned me respect from my teammates
and coaches. The 20+ hrs/wk I devoted to wrestling and my ability to celebrate the
successes of my teammates demonstrated empathy and love in an unconventional
setting. (338 characters)

3rd Place, Whitewater Open Canoe Downriver Nationals

What are the eligibility requirements for this award or honor? (250 characters)

Took place on the Arkansas River in Colorado. 9 mile course with Class 4 rapids. Two-
person teams and a total of 23 teams competing in 2019. Medals awarded to the top 5
finishers and we finished 3rd overall, beating 20 other teams to the finish line. (250
characters).

What did you do to achieve this award or honor? (350 Characters)

Training required a rigorous, 6-month practice schedule. We trained on class 3 and 4

rapids on the Nantahala and Watauga Rivers. A regular practice meant braving the
weather and paddling 2-4 hrs/day. Effective communication, composure during
challenging river sequences, physical toughness, and quick-thinking were integral to our
t fi i h ( 6 h t )
strong finish. (346 characters)

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Commission member, Buncombe County Government

Promoted efforts to combat gun violence, mental health challenges, and food
insecurities. Regularly updated by city officials about the nature of our work. Attended
conferences hosted by other city youth councils to build leadership skills and community
involvement. Volunteered 60+ hours for Mobile Market, Habitat for Humanity, and Kids
Voting. (347 char)

Founder and President of Model United Nations

Pitched club to school administrators and established 1st official Model UN chapter in
Fayetteville, NC. Organized weekly team meetings and coached students for
conferences. Awarded "Outstanding Delegate" at the Washington University Model UN
Symposium and the Georgia Tech Model UN Conference in 2019. (302 characters)

Intern at the Los Angeles Superior Court

Assisted an LA District Attorney by drafting briefs and assisting with client interviews.
Gathered data on local cases regarding education, family, and children’s rights. Attended
seminars organized by judicial officials. Learned about the function, history, and role of the
Superior Court. Collected, summarized, and tracked relevant news articles. (349
characters)

Research Assistant at the UCLA Psychology Department

Assisted Dr. Negin Ghavemi with a study exploring the relationship between gender, age,
and sexual identity. Studied LGBTQ+ inclusion in local schools, looking particularly at the
incorporation of non-heteronormative experiences in Southern sex education syllubi.
Published findings in the Undergraduate Research Journal of Psychology. (335 characters)

Indian Classical and Bollywood Dancer

SSR Scholarship, VMASC 1st Place Cinematic Dance, KCCNA 3rd pl. in folk, VMASC 1st Pl.
Classical Dance, KALA Kalolsavam 1st Pl. Group Dance. One of the 5 dancers selected
from ~500 applicants to be featured on Studio 860’s annual International Dance Day
video. Choreographed and performed an original dance routine at the 2018 Indian Dance
Fest. (345 characters)

Strings Orchestra

Cellist in the school orchestra for 4 years. Showcased in concerts/performances and

mentored younger students. 1 of 4 students selected by orchestra director to perform
with Duke University String Ensemble at annual winter Blue Devil Fundraiser. Invited to
perform with the local jazz quartet Rivendell Brothers at their Eno River Festival debut.
(347 characters)

OTHER COURSEWORK (OTHER THAN A-G REQUIREMENTS)

edX and Coursera Courses on Global Health Equity

Completed 3 college courses on Global Health Equity. Learned about health disparities,
particularly in relation to cultural gender norms. Investigated Rwandan female
reproductive health and drafted an actionable plan for improvement. Interrogated the
efficacy of medical education in the US and discussed the importance of technological
development. (349 characters)

Graduate of Harvard U's Public Speaking Course

Studied speeches by MLK, Socrates, Winston Churchhill, and James Baldwin. Mastered
improvised speech through extemporaneous speaking drills. Learned how to deliver
compelling arguments through presentations and individual coaching. Incorporated
theatrical skills to make speech delivery more expressive. (304 characters)

Chinese 1 to Chinese 4

Studied Mandarin at Chinese Sunday school to expand cultural understanding and further
love for language after testing out of Chinese at school. Improved speaking, listening,
writing, and reading skills. Selected as a finalist by NC State’s Confucius Institute for their
HS Chinese competition and won Best Talent award. (320 characters)

Introduction to Python

Explored the differences between Python, Java, and C++. Researched programming
syntax and basics of Python, designed algorithms to practice using Python’s functions.
Coded hangman, tic-tac-toe, conversation-, and 20 questions using Python commands.
Collaborated with classmates in Robotics 101 to design a group code for an automated
robot. (340 characters)

Ryman Arts Program

Took drawing lessons, sketched still life drawings, and painted models with top 100 HS
artists in Southern California. Fine-tuned painting skills by working on joint projects with
participants. Attended seminars about job opportunities in the arts. Displayed final
portfolio in curated show at the Southern California Museum of Art. (333 characters)

CLICK HERE FOR THE ONE-HOUR GUIDE TO THE UC PERSONAL INSIGHT

QUESTIONS. (HTTP://WWW.COLLEGEESSAYGUY.COM/GET-THE-FREE-
GUIDE-TO-THE-UC-APPLICATION-PROMPTS)

WANT SOME HELP TAKING YOUR UC PERSONAL INSIGHT ANSWERS TO

THE NEXT LEVEL?
CHECK OUT MY COURSE (HTTPS://WWW.COLLEGEESSAYGUY.COM/UC-
PERSONAL-INSIGHT-QUESTIONS-COURSE).
 (https://www.collegeessayguy.com/uc-personal-insight-
questions-course)

ANOTHER GREAT READ: HOW TO WRITE YOUR COMMON APP ACTIVITIES

LIST (HTTP://WWW.COLLEGEESSAYGUY.COM/BLOG/2014/11/23/HOW-
TO-WRITE-YOUR-COMMON-APP-ACTIVITIES-LIST)

Tagged: university of california (/blog?

tag=university+of+california), uc (/blog?tag=uc), activities list
(/blog?tag=activities+list), additional info (/blog?
tag=additional+info)
 Share

COMMENTS (51) Newest First

Preview P O S T CO M M E N T…

Nat · 0 Likes

Hi if I am a candidate for The California State Seal of Civic Engagement and The
State Seal of Biliteracy, both of which I have been working on since junior year but
are not confirmed to be awarded until spring of senior year, where do I include
these?

isabella e · 0 Likes

If I had earned any certifications such as CPR/AED, where should I place this
information?
Anonymous · 0 Likes

Hi! Thank you for the article! I represented my country at the Asian Physics
Olympiad, and (sadly!) got Honourable Mention. To explain it's significance, I have to
dwell into the previous National Selection Camp, but that is another achievement I
have. Will explaining it here be repetitive?

sophia · 0 Likes

Thanks for such a detailed article! I have one question. One of the extracurricular
activities I participate in (FIRST Robotics) involves a lot of different skills: I was the
president of the team and learned leadership; the year before I was the business
sub-team captain and learned fundraising, public speaking, and a ton of other stuff;
obviously learning about and working on the robot; and I also organized and
volunteered at many outreach events. Would it make sense to include this in the
volunteering section for the outreach and also the extracurricular section? Or
should I try to fit all of this in one box?

anonymous · 0 Likes

Hi, Are there any tips for how to answer "How have you used or will you use your
earnings?" for any work experience.

Jeff · 0 Likes

absolutely amazing, we are so grateful you provided such a comprehensive and

thoughtful article!!!

Yash · 0 Likes

Hi! Thank you so much for the article! I have 2 awards for the grades i achieved in
junior year (One because my average passed a threshold and another because i
got the highest in the grade) But the preparation or what I did for the 2 awards was
the same... so should i list them as 2 separate awards and keep the what I did part
the same?

CEG Support Team · 0 Likes

Since they're similar awards, I think you could combine them if you need the
same. Keeping them separate would be fine too! Keeping them separate
would allow you to clarify things like how one was awarded for having the
highest grade.
Saatvik · 0 Likes

Great article. Can we add hyper links to the descriptions - characters and words
dont have a way to create links - but can we add the weblink to the work done like
extra curricular activities and honors/awards?

CEG Support Team · 0 Likes

You can definitely add links! Just keep in mind that they'll take up character
space in your description, and it's no guarantee that the admission officer will
have time to look at the link. A good place for these links might be in your
additional comments section if you're running out of space.

Gabby · 0 Likes

I really loved reading this article it was super helpful. I had a question about
internships. I had an unpaid internship so I know it wouldn't go under work
experience, but what category would you recommend I put it under? Thanks!

CEG Support Team · 0 Likes

Hi Gabby! I think it depends on the internship and what you did. It could fit
under volunteer & community service or extracurricular activities. You'll want
to choose whichever fits best with your situation and application :)

sda · 0 Likes

Thank u so much !

Jamie · 0 Likes

My school is an independent religious school that requires four years of religious

studies classes. Where should I list this information and how?

CEG Support Team · 0 Likes

Hi Jamie! If this is something separate you did outside of your regular classes,
you could list it in your activities list as "other coursework." Otherwise, the
additional comments section would also be a good place to put it. :) It would
 be completely up to you on how you want to list it, just make sure to include
how long you did it, how many hours a week, and a brief description.

Grea · 0 Likes

Thank you so much for this detailed and very useful article. I do have one question.
I worked with a non-profit for the past 5 or so years, and each summer, I took on
very specific roles, such as creating training documentation one year, and building
a fundraising application another year. Due to the number of things I want to
highlight for each role, it will be very difficult to aggregate them into one entry in
the activities list. However, if I add each role as a separate activity, what do I enter in
the "Please describe the organization, program, school, or group (250 characters):"
for each of the roles without repeating the same information about the
organization? Thanks again!

CEG Support Team · 0 Likes

Hi Grea! It would really be up to you and how you want to write this.
Personally, I would write my most recent 'role' and responsibilities, then
include any extra information in the additional comments section. If you
included them as separate entries, you would most likely need to just repeat
the organization description since it's all the same organization - there
wouldn't be a way to really have them difference. If you want to include it all
in one entry though, then elaborate in the additional comments section, that
would also be okay!

monica · 0 Likes

Since the system crashed, would you be able to post the requirements for each
type of activity? For example, the character count and questions for each category?

CEG Support Team · 0 Likes

Sorry, can you clarify what you're looking for exactly? Everything you should
need is on the post! :)

Preston · 0 Likes

Hello, thank you for this article. It was very helpful. Yet, I didn't see any tips or
examples on how to write about participating on the fairly common school sports
teams: basketball, lacrosse, etc. I participated on 3 different teams, but was not a
captain nor won any awards. Of course, they required about 10 hours of weekly
practice and lots of games. But how does one write about this without having them
d ll th ? Al I' i h did 't i l d l f thi
sound all the same? Also, I'm curious why you didn't include any examples of this
since it's a fairly common extra curricular. Do you think it's not impactful to include?

CEG Support Team · 0 Likes

Hello! I think with a lot of school sports, they're a very common activity, so
most students most likely don't need an example :) As for how to write about
them or if you want to include them, this would be completely up to you.
They're still activities you participated in, so it'd be great to include it if you
think it's needed.

Quinn A. · 0 Likes

Hi! Your article is so helpful! So I am currently in the process of publishing a

children's book, but it is not actually out yet. I have finished writing it and am
currently waiting for my illustrator to finish all the drawings, and once I have my final
copy I am planning on self-publishing. Could I still include this as its own activity,
even though it isn't completed yet?

CEG Support Team · 0 Likes

Absolutely! It's been something you've been working on and actively

dedicating time to so yes!

Adhila · 0 Likes

If I published a novel, which section, if any, can I put it in?

CEG Support Team · 0 Likes

It would be great to include, but it would be up to you where you put it and
how to explain it.

Sydney · 0 Likes

Hi! There is now a 35o character limit for the extracurricular descriptions. Do you
recommend that we use all of that limit if we can?

CEG Support Team · 0 Likes

 Hello! If you can use the limit and it's not redundant, I would say go for it!
Keep it factual and informative.

Amy · 0 Likes

Hi! I had the opportunity to be recognized, featured, and interviewed in a blog.

What section would I place that in? Thanks!

CEG Support Team · 0 Likes

Hi Amy. This would really be up to you, what you learned from the
experience, and why you did it. Extracurriculars may be the best place by
default though!

Laura · 0 Likes

What order should I list activities? Chronologically, by importance, or clump

together by category? Thank you!

Alex Bryson (College Essay Guy Team) · 0 Likes

I would have your list split into the 6 categories listed - Award or Honor,
Education Prep Programs, Extracurricular activity, Other coursework,
Colunteer / Community Service, and Work Experience - and then personally I
would list by importance. I think chronologically would be good as well. Once
you've got your list decided, you could try both and see which flows better!

· 0 Likes

HI! Thanks for the amazing article! However, I have some questions:
1. Is it okay to put being a participant in a contest as an award? Although I didn't win
any prizes, I still put a lot of effort into preparing for it.
2. If I have attended in (and won prizes) in various coding contests, should I include
them in one slot or separately?
3. Is it better to show a variety of hobbies (e.g music, baking) or to show deep
interest in my intended major (computer)? In other words, which sounds more
outstanding, composing music in my spare time (but didn't showcase it)or winning
a coding contest(when I already have a lot)?

· 0 Likes

Hi! Thanks for the article!

I have some questions:
1. If I attended (and won prizes) various coding contests, should I add them
separately or all in one slot?
2. Does being a participant in a contest counted as an award/honor? Since I
devoted quite a lot of time preparing for the contest.
3. Is it better to include a variety of activities (such as my hobbies: composing
music, baking) (only general description of what i did) or to present all I have done
in the area of my intended major (coding) (with specific courses, contests,
enrichment programs)? (There are only 20 slots, so I need to choose wisely)
Thank you so much!!!

Alex Bryson (College Essay Guy Team) · 0 Likes

Hi Connie!

1) depends on how much room you have! I'd say separate unless they are the
same contest over multiple years.
2) yes!
3) it's hard to say! But probably better to go for your activities that are related
to your major if you only have room for those, and show those other sides of
yourself in your essays!

Tyler · 0 Likes

Hi! For the amount of time we did the activity, do we out how much we plan to have
before we graduate or just up to date. Thank you!

Alex Bryson (College Essay Guy Team) · 0 Likes

Hi Tyler! I believe you should only include how much time you've spent on
the activity up to the point of your application submission. Hope this helps!

Leigh · 0 Likes

If I state my position in the organization in the top box, but wasn't that exact role all
4 years of my involvement, would it be misconstrued as being dishonest? Or would
admissions officers understand that that is my current role?

Alex Bryson (College Essay Guy Team) · 0 Likes

Hi Leigh!

You could list the organization as your main activity and then describe your
various roles underneath, or depending on how many activities you have on
 p g y y
your list, you could split them into multiple activities.

Hope this helps!

Max · 0 Likes

Hey, thanks for the article.

One question: in the educational preparation section, should I list an SAT prep
course? The course was primarily test-taking strategy for the SAT and did not
involve any significant math or reading/writing learning.

Alex Bryson (College Essay Guy Team) · 0 Likes

Hi Max!

If you have extra room in your list, then add it. It's not a super-important
measure, so I wouldn't put it at the top, but it shows that you are engaged
and interested in preparing for college. Good luck!

Alex

Calvin · 0 Likes

Why Is It Recommended that we fill out all slots for Volunteering and
Extracurriculars on the UC Application?

Ethan · 0 Likes

I wouldn't say it's generally recommended. I'd say fill in as many slots as you'd
like, depending on how important you feel an activity was to you.

Gabs · 0 Likes

This is so helpful! Gosh I am so grateful for this since I took English 100+ years ago. I
am not confident in my writing skills

irina · 0 Likes

Where (if at all) should I list 1. National merit semifinalist award and 2. "AP scholar
with distinction" in UC application?
Thanks!
Irina
 Beth N · 0 Likes

I notice that you don't use dates. Should you put dates that you did these things, or
the years you were in certain activities, or the length of time that you participated,
such as 2015-2017, or 3 years?

Ethan Sawyer · 0 Likes

Beth: There's a place elsewhere in the UC app for you to include this info.
Start on the UC app and you'll see. :)

WOooh college · 0 Likes

What if I have a community service trip planned for after applications? can i still add
it

Ethan Sawyer · 0 Likes

I would mention that you plan to go on this trip in your Additional Information
section, as it hasn't happened yet.

Brandon Rouckus · 0 Likes

Great memes!

ssr · 0 Likes

Nicely written. Thanks

THanks · 0 Likes

Thanks, these tips are very helpful!

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