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 briefly describe how you’ve spent all of your time outside of class. In addition to your grades, your test scores, and your responses to the UC Personal Insight Questions, this is your chance to stand out and show how you’ll likely contribute once you’re on the UC campus of your choice.
The UC application will ask you to split your activities list into…
Award or honor
Educational Prep Programs
Extracurricular activity
Other coursework
Volunteer / Community Service
Work experience
You get to list up to 20 for any of these categories.
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. Why? Because the UC Activities List 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.
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.
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 exists, since paying for college 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
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.” |
||
apprised arbitrated audited augmented briefed dispatched executed expedited |
formalized forecasted forged fostered interceded maximized outpaced presided |
queried standardized simulated stimulated substantiated transmitted validated 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.
| The key here is active verbs.
Tip: Use the “Epic List of Activities List Verbs” I just shared with you |
These problems could be:
- Personal - Family - Local - Community - School - State-level - National - Global |
Tip: Use the Values Exercise for this | This is super important.
Tip: Use numbers and actual quotes to support your bullet points |
How did you apply lessons from the activity beyond the activity itself?
See examples below. |
After a few minutes, your chart may look something like this:
| Practiced every Sunday morning for 2.5 hours for 9 years.
Performed at Chinese New Year festivals for 9 years. Danced in junior group for four years, senior group for five years, senior small group for three years. Served as club treasurer, managing club-related funds and handling reimbursements. Organized fundraiser at the Chinese Dragon Boat festival that raised over $2000 for the club. Served as club Vice President. Won Honorable Mention at the Chinese School Association in the United States (CSAUS). |
Feeling disconnected from Chinese culture and community.
Not much connection to relatives in China. Club was struggling to maintain steady funds. Improving technique and artistry in Chinese dancing. Difficulty transitioning to Chinese dancing from ballet. Difficulty articulating ideas and thoughts. Our community lacked Chinese cultural events. |
Became more goal-oriented.
Managed and kept a record of thousands of dollars. Learned... ...to articulate and explain my thoughts to younger dancers. ...how to handle conflicting interests from group leaders and dancers’ parents. ...our surrounding community is actually open to supporting our group. ...to express my individuality in a way that I didn’t with ballet. ...every movement and pose has its own nuances. ...how to choreograph and adapt a dance based on material from past dance groups and videos. ...to remain patient and forgiving while teaching. |
Grew closer to the values of Chinese culture, as there is always a story behind every dance.
Relatives in China watched links to my dances, allowing us to connect more on phone calls. Developed a sense of community within the group of dancers and parents. Showed beauty of Chinese culture to local community. |
Used teaching skills while tutoring peers in Chemistry.
Lessons in leadership helped me manage board members in my club. Continued to reach out to my community about other causes I cared deeply about, helping to fundraise for annual event. Helped me become more expressive and seek other outlets of expression. |
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. 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:
Pick one of the UC activities list descriptions you’ve written and ask of it these three questions:
Which values are clearly being revealed in the description?
Which values are kind of being revealed, but could probably be revealed more clearly in the description?
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?
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, 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”?
First, stop comparing! It’ll drive you crazy. Next, some questions to ask:
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.
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...
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Less is more | You list only your most important endeavors, demonstrating focus and commitment. | You leave off some stuff you did, risking an incomplete portrait of yourself in your application. |
| More is more | You include everything you’ve done, demonstrating a wide range of interests and achievements. | Some of your listed activities don’t mean a whole lot to you. It may seem as if you’re trying too hard to 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.
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 (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 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)
