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College admissions and finance advice from the experts. The Insider blog is where College Coach experts weigh in on the latest college admissions topics. We cover everything from application timelines and strategies to tips on financing your child's education.
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4 Ways to Make the Most of the UC Activities & Awards Section
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">The University of California Application Activities & Awards section provides context and information beyond courses and grades; it lets UC app readers determine how students spend their time, what they value most, and how they have grown during high school. When I reviewed applications at UCLA, I considered the Activities & Awards section to be just as crucial as the Personal Insight Questions section (where we asked students to write four short essays).</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">As applicants craft their Activities & awards section, they should keep in mind the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/preparing-freshman-students/comprehensive-review.html" target="_blank">comprehensive review factors</a> that the UC considers, like intellectual and social contributions, determination, initiative, leadership, and maturity. Here are some additional tips on how to optimize this section of the app:</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Share personal contributions </strong> </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">It is important to get specific and personal in activity descriptions. Share your responsibilities and the positive outcomes that resulted from your actions. This helps distinguish your individual contributions.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">For example, in orchestra, a student might have been tasked with preparing their section for concerts. Within their Activities & awards, they could include details on how exactly they assisted students through actions like creating new practice guides and organizing extra peer-teaching sessions. They can also describe how these actions improved the other students’ confidence and abilities.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">As another example, a student could share their experience as a part-time employee at a restaurant. They may include details, like how they typically serve 50 customers per shift, resolve customer issues without supervisor assistance, and have recently trained two new hires. Concrete details like this strengthen the student’s narrative and allow the reader to understand the scope of the student’s role.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Demonstrate values and qualities through action </strong> </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Strong descriptions are more than just a list of responsibilities. They also highlight the student’s character and communicate distinct qualities that strengthen their UC candidacy. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">For example, a varsity soccer player might focus on their qualities of leadership, commitment, and empathy. Within the Activities & Awards description, they could discuss how they noticed new team players struggling with defensive strategy then, in response, offered to stay after practices to help, presented them with new defensive footwork and positioning drills, and saw fewer goals conceded by these players. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">As a second example, a robotics team member might want to show collaboration and innovation. To do this, they could explain how they helped form team coordination by implementing new resources like a Discord server and a chart listing teammates’ technical skills and competencies. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Don’t underestimate your activities</strong> </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Everything counts. Students may overlook activities they consider less prestigious but that nonetheless demonstrate positive qualities that make for a compelling applicant. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">For example, a student might cook meals for their family, take care of siblings, or help an elder family member with errands or chores. These actions demonstrate responsibility and care. Another student might babysit for families in their neighborhood, while another might mow lawns or walk dogs. These work experiences show entrepreneurship and independence. Even a hobby can show meaningful qualities and skills. For example, a student teaching themselves guitar, taking up photography, or getting really into birdwatching can communicate curiosity, persistence, and enthusiasm when describing these pursuits. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Maintain your own voice</strong> </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Just as the PIQ are a chance for application readers to get to know you, so too is the Activities & awards section. Write in your own voice so that the reader can pick up on your personality, and therefore more easily envision you on campus. Students sometimes tend to put on a more adult voice in this section in an attempt to sound professional. But remember, you’re applying to be part of a campus community—not to a job—so try to let your authentic voice shine through.</p>
5 Tips for Homeschool Students Planning for College
Just as the homeschool population has grown, so too has competition in college admissions. Read on for five early steps homeschool students can take as they consider courses, standardized testing, and activities.
Why Families Paying for College Should Consider a Monthly Payment Plan
Before borrowing to cover a tuition bill, families should check whether the college offers a payment plan. These interest-free options let families spread costs over time, potentially reducing education debt. Some schools even offer discounts for full-year plans, making them a smart alternative to student or parent loan
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Students using the Common Application will encounter two types of essays. The first is the personal statement, which allows the student to choose one of seven prompts and write an essay of 650...
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The Hidden Costs of College
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Financial Aid Advice for First-Generation College Students
Paying for college as a first-generation student can feel overwhelming for the entire family. Our finance expert—a first-gen student herself—shares advice on how to ask questions, understand aid offers, and be a self-advocate.
How to Approach Secondary Medical School Applications
The secondary medical school application process includes essays that should be taken just as seriously as the main application personal statement.
10 Ways to Make the Most of the Common App Activity List
When filling out the Common Application, don’t overlook the importance of the activity list! This space can be just as important as the essay, so it’s vital that students make the most of it. Read on for tips from our admissions expert!
Soft Skills That Make STEM Applicants Stand Out
Students applying to STEM majors tend to highlight technical skills and accomplishments in their college applications. Our STEM admissions expert explains why these students should consider also highlighting soft skills valued not just by admissions officers, but future employers.
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