The Common Application provides a dedicated section for applicants to detail their extracurricular involvements. Within this section, students are prompted to quantify the duration of their participation in each activity. This is achieved through specifying the number of weeks dedicated to the activity per year. For example, a student who participates in a debate club that meets weekly for the entire academic year, excluding summer break, might indicate approximately 30 weeks.
This quantification provides admissions committees with a standardized metric for assessing the depth and consistency of a student’s commitments outside of the classroom. It allows them to understand not only what activities an applicant engages in, but also the level of dedication demonstrated over time. This information contributes to a holistic evaluation, providing context for other elements of the application, such as personal essays and letters of recommendation. Historically, providing such detailed information has allowed admissions officers to differentiate between casual participation and significant commitment, revealing a student’s passion and time-management skills.
