Creating an Impactful Activities List

Dec 29, 2024

Module Two: How-To of Activities List

Overview

  • Focus on creating an effective activities and awards list
  • Comparison between an amazing vs. really good list
  • Tips for listing activities and awards
  • Warning against stretching the truth
  • Three-step process for enhancing your list

Tips for Activities and Awards List

  1. Use Active Verbs

    • Example: Use "organized," "assisted," "sterilized" instead of "worked at."
    • Provides more specific detail and context.
    • Avoid redundant verbs; ensure variety and specificity.

  2. Emphasize and Quantify Impact

    • Provide specific numbers and details.
    • Example: Instead of "raised money," specify "raised $3,000 for 18 uniforms and scholarships."

  3. Avoid Repetition for Roles

    • Don’t keep reiterating roles like "member" or "participant."
    • Simply list activities without emphasizing non-leadership roles.

  4. Selective Use of Additional Info Section

    • Use for significant achievements that need more detail.
    • Example: “See additional info” for in-depth descriptions.

Difference Between Amazing and Good Lists

  • Good List: Includes well-crafted descriptions of achievements.
  • Amazing List: Contains extraordinary achievements, possibly without needing detailed descriptions.
  • Tips for creating an extraordinary list if your activities qualify.

Consider Non-Traditional Activities

  • Examples: Online courses, composing music, training pets as therapy animals, yoga, juggling, etc.
  • Importance of explaining the value and learning from these activities.

Ethics: Never Stretch the Truth

  • Consequences of lying in applications (e.g., rejected applications, ethical concerns).
  • Example of a student facing rejection due to false information.

Conclusion

  • Upcoming video will cover the three-step process for enhancing activities lists.
  • Emphasis on doing the best with what you have and exploring activities you might not have considered.

These notes summarize the key points discussed in the lecture about creating an impactful activities list for applications. Emphasis is placed on the importance of active verbs, detailed descriptions, and ethical honesty.