đŻ How to Add Activities for College Applications in GradMap
Hi there! In this guide, weâll walk you through the process of entering your activities, work experience, and volunteering into GradMap. This section is one of the most important in your college applications, and Christinaâs walkthrough (linked above!) breaks it down clearly. Below is a summary and formatting guide to help you stay on track.
đ Key Steps to Entering Your Activities
1. Navigate to the Activities Tab
Head to the Activities section on GradMap.
Youâll see a list of examples if youâve added any or if templates are available.
2. Choose an Activity Type
Decide whether youâre entering:
Extracurricular activity
Work experience
Volunteering
Choose the category from the dropdown list that best fits what you did.
3. Enter the Organization or Company Info
For work and volunteering:
Briefly describe the organization: name, location, and mission.
Example: Local nonprofit in San Diego providing food to unhoused individuals.
đ Pro Tip: Keep this short but clearâjust enough to give context for admissions officers.
4. Log Your Time Commitment
Add your hours per week and weeks per year.
This helps show the impact and consistency of your involvement.
5. Write Your Descriptions for Each Platform
Youâll need to customize your descriptions depending on the application type.
đ For Common App (150 characters max):
Use a listing-style format.
Quantify your impact whenever possible.
E.g., Selected as 1 of 20 Nighthawk Ambassadors. Organized 5 school-wide events.
Full sentences are not requiredâfocus on action and results.
đť For UC Application (350 characters max):
Write in complete sentences.
Include:
Your responsibilities
Leadership roles
Skills demonstrated
You can vary the structure, but make sure the depth is there.
Example:
Common App: Learned 30+ supplements. Trained new hires. Selected from 100+ applicants.
UC App: Trained incoming staff on 30+ supplement protocols. Selected from over 100 applicants due to strong performance and reliability.
6. Reorder Based on Importance
Both Common App and UC want your activities listed in order of significance to you.
You can drag and drop entries in GradMap to rank them.
Counselors can assist with final prioritization.
đ Pro Tip: Show all your sidesâshare how the activities and work experiences highlight different characteristics and skill sets you have.
â ď¸ Cautionary Notes
Character Counts Are Strict: 150 characters for Common App, 350 for UC. Be concise and strategic.
Donât Skip Quantification: Numbers = impact. Always include how many, how often, or how long when relevant.
Descriptions Should Vary by Platform: Avoid copying the same text for bothâtailor it!