The Common App gives you 150 characters — approximately 20–25 words — to describe each activity. Here is how to make them count.
The Core Principle: Add Information the Title Doesn't Already Provide
The activity title and position/role fields already tell the reader what the activity is and your formal role. Your description should add information those fields cannot: what you actually did, what you achieved, and how significant your contribution was. Avoid descriptions that just restate the obvious: 'Member of debate team. Participated in competitions.' instead write: 'Competed at state tournament; ranked 3rd in extemporaneous speaking; mentored 6 new members on argument structure.'
Techniques That Work
Lead with active verbs: Founded, created, developed, led, managed, organized, designed, trained, grew, launched — these signal agency and action. Avoid: 'participated in,' 'was involved with,' 'attended.'
Use specific numbers: 'Coordinated 15 volunteers' is stronger than 'coordinated volunteers.' '47% increase in club membership' is far stronger than 'grew the club.' Numbers add credibility and make impact concrete.
Show trajectory: If you grew in responsibility over time, show it: 'Started as member (10th grade); elected treasurer (11th); led fundraising that raised $3,200 (12th).'
Weak vs. Strong Examples
Weak: 'Member of school newspaper. Wrote articles about school events and sports.'
Strong: 'Editor-in-chief; grew readership 60%; led team of 12 reporters; won state journalism award for investigative piece.'
Weak: 'Volunteered at hospital. Helped patients and staff.'
Strong: 'Logged 200+ hours in patient transport; coordinated volunteer schedule for 8 peers; introduced new check-in system.'