Common Application Walkthrough: Activities & Essays/Writing

Welcome to the third video in my Common Application Walkthrough series!
In this episode, we take a deep dive into three of the most important and misunderstood parts of the Common App: the Activities section, the Personal Essay, and the Additional Information section. If your student is struggling with how to list extracurricular activities, describe leadership roles, report jobs, or decide what to write in the personal statement, this step-by-step tutorial will walk you through exactly what admissions officers want to see.

In this video, I break down:

How to complete the Activities section of the Common App
How to list extracurricular activities, hobbies, family responsibilities, and work experience
Tips for writing strong, concise activity descriptions
How to order activities strategically for maximum impact
How to report paid jobs, household responsibilities, and caregiving
What to include in the Responsibilities & Circumstances questions
How holistic admissions uses this information
How to approach the Common App Personal Essay
What NOT to include in the Additional Information section
Smart ways to use Additional Information for context, challenges, disruptions, or unique circumstances

Whether your student is a high-achiever with many activities or someone balancing school with significant family obligations, this video will help you complete these sections clearly and strategically.

👉 Missed Part 1? Start here:
   • Common Application Walkthrough: Starting t...  

#collegeapplications #commonapp #collegeadmissions #parents #essay #collegeessay #writing

And if you want an expert/former highly selective college admissions director (me) to review your application before submitting it, sign up here: https://www.askdrhoffman.com/applicat...

🌎 https://www.askdrhoffman.com

🔎 Seniors! Families of seniors! Want your application reviewed by me? Sign up for my Application Review service... I'll go line by line through your application with edits and advice, before submitting your application: https://www.askdrhoffman.com/applicat...

📚 Two Parent Courses: Parent's Introductory College Admissions Course AND the Parent’s Ultimate College Admissions Course: https://www.askdrhoffman.com/parent-c... (use code: SITELAUNCH20 for 20% your first month/year)

💲 I offer course fee waiver to those who qualify - submit here: https://www.askdrhoffman.com/feewaivers

💌 If you’d like to join our mailing list and receive periodic admissions tips via email, you can join here: https://www.askdrhoffman.com/mailinglist

👉 Follow me on socials:
  / askdrhoffman  
  / askdrhoffman  
  / askdrhoffman-com-llc  

📥 Contact me: https://www.askdrhoffman.com/contact