Step Three: Starting an Activities List and the Common App

Now that most of your planning is figured out, it's time to tackle your actual application journey by starting the Common Application and building your activities list.

In Step Three of our 6-step sequence for juniors, we’ll go through how to create an effective, concentrated activities list and how to begin the Common Application. Be sure to check out our Juniors: 6 Steps to Successful Applications for the full roadmap, including guidance on personal statements, letters of recommendation, and building your college list.

Starting the Common Application

The Common Application (and other platforms) have relatively straightforward account creation processes. However, one small but important tip is to create a separate email for college applications to avoid being overwhelmed by marketing emails from colleges.

To create your account:

• Click “create account”
• Select “first year student”
• Enter all required fields accurately

Be mindful of the setting that allows the platform to share your contact information with colleges. While this can sometimes lead to useful outreach, it can also result in a high volume of emails.

Once your account is set up:

• begin adding colleges (this can change later)
• start filling in general information
• gradually complete more detailed sections

Starting early makes this process significantly easier over time.

Drafting an Activities List

Your activities list functions like a condensed resume.

Extracurriculars can include:

• clubs and sports
• research
• jobs or internships
• family responsibilities
• personal projects

Start by listing everything, even if it feels informal. You can refine later.

Strong activities typically demonstrate:

• leadership
• commitment
• initiative
• measurable impact
• genuine passion

At this stage, do not worry about word limits. Write freely, then refine.

Refining Your Activities List

Once you have a full draft, it is time to refine.

Focus on:

• putting your most impactful activities first
• including numbers and measurable results
• using strong, action-oriented verbs
• cutting unnecessary words aggressively

Each description must eventually fit within strict character limits, so clarity and efficiency matter.

Avoid adding filler just to reach the maximum number of activities.

A strong list should feel focused, intentional, and easy to scan.

Why the Activities List Matters

Your activities list is not just a summary.

It:

• shapes how admissions officers understand your interests
• influences how your essays are interpreted
• supports your overall narrative

A well-structured list makes the rest of your application stronger and more cohesive.

Final Thoughts

The Common Application and activities list are foundational pieces of your application.

Starting early allows you to:

• avoid rushed decisions
• refine your experiences
• build a clearer story

The goal is not to fill space, but to present your strongest work effectively.

How PathIvy Helps

At PathIvy, we help students turn scattered experiences into a clear and compelling application.

We guide students in:

• organizing and refining their activities list
• identifying what actually matters
• aligning activities with long-term goals
• building a cohesive narrative

Written by DB, PathIvy Content Team