Creating an Effective Activities List

Dec 29, 2024

Module Two: Activities and Awards List

Introduction

  • Focus on creating an effective activities and awards list.
  • Five tips for enhancing the list.
  • Distinction between amazing and very good lists.
  • Importance of truthful representation of activities.

Five Tips for Activities and Awards List

  1. Use of Active Verbs

    • Example: "Organized patient diagnosis notes" vs. "Worked at the clinic."
    • Use verbs that give more detailed information.
    • Avoid redundant verbs, and ensure each action is distinct.

  2. Quantify Impact

    • Specify how many people you helped or how much money you raised.
    • Example: "Raised $3,000 to provide 18 uniforms and six scholarships."

  3. Role Clarity

    • If your role is repetitive (e.g., member or participant), avoid redundancy.
    • List the activity directly instead of repeating roles.

  4. Selective Use of Additional Info

    • Use the additional info section for detailed descriptions.
    • Example: Mentioning creation of tech prototypes with a note to "See additional info."
    • Use selectively and judiciously.

  5. Crafting Descriptions

    • Use vivid and varied vocabulary to describe activities.
    • Emphasize achievements with rich details.

Comparing Lists: Amazing vs Really Good

  • Really Good List

    • Examples include being a peer tutor, participating in swim team, and mentoring.
    • Clear, concise, well-crafted activities with solid achievements.

  • Amazing List

    • Examples include inventing a drone, professional photography, and soloing at Carnegie Hall.
    • Extraordinary achievements, possibly requiring less detailed crafting due to their nature.

Activities to Consider

  • Non-traditional activities such as training therapy animals, juggling, yoga.
  • Emphasize learning and personal growth in descriptions.

Importance of Truthfulness

  • Avoid lying or exaggerating on your activities list.
  • Ethical concerns and risk of application rejection.
  • Example of a student who fabricated achievements and faced consequences.

Next Steps

  • Upcoming module will cover a three-step process for improving your activities list.

Note: Always aim to do the best with the achievements and experiences you have.