Where can I find strong action verbs for my Common App activities list, and do you guys have any favorites?
I’m filling out my Common App right now and honestly struggling with the activities section. I want to make my descriptions really pop, but I keep using the same basic verbs like 'helped' or 'worked.'
I’ve heard that using better action verbs is a way to stand out, but I’m not sure where to find a good collection of them or which ones actually impress admissions officers. Has anyone used any resources (like College Essay Guy’s list, if that exists) to find better verbs? Or, if anyone can share some of their favorite unique verbs that have worked for them, that would be super helpful.
I’m worried about sounding too generic or repetitive so I’m stressing a bit. Any advice would be awesome!
I’ve heard that using better action verbs is a way to stand out, but I’m not sure where to find a good collection of them or which ones actually impress admissions officers. Has anyone used any resources (like College Essay Guy’s list, if that exists) to find better verbs? Or, if anyone can share some of their favorite unique verbs that have worked for them, that would be super helpful.
I’m worried about sounding too generic or repetitive so I’m stressing a bit. Any advice would be awesome!
2 weeks ago
•
5 views
Lydia Schooler
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
Using strong action verbs is a smart move for making your activities list more engaging and showing your impact. The Common App's character limit really forces you to be concise, so the right verb can add a lot of punch in just one word.
You can find comprehensive lists of action verbs online, often on college admissions sites and writing centers. For example, UNC Chapel Hill, Purdue OWL, and some college admissions blogs post curated lists. Some of the most cited collections come from educational websites and resume guides, which work well since the activities list is a lot like a mini-resume.
Here’s a quick set of verbs that stand out and might fit various experiences: initiated, led, organized, facilitated, spearheaded, mentored, engineered, designed, advocated, implemented, orchestrated, launched, collaborated, tutored, mediated, recruited, innovated, composed, enacted, directed, and coordinated.
A good example: instead of "helped with fundraising," try "coordinated annual fundraising campaign," or "secured sponsorships from local businesses." Or for tutoring: instead of "worked with classmates to study math," say "mentored peers in algebra concepts and developed study guides."
Some of my personal favorite less-common ones that students have successfully used are: "galvanized," "curated," "mobilized," "streamlined," and "championed." Each of these can add clarity and energy when describing what you actually did, especially when directly tied to tangible results (like increased membership, raised funds, or launched new initiatives).
To keep your list from sounding repetitive, vary the verbs by role and activity—don’t use "led" five times. When in doubt, think about your exact contribution, and then search "resume action verbs for [type of activity]" (e.g., fundraising, research, teaching). That keeps things specific and impactful.
You’re on the right track by looking for ways to stand out through word choice. Using the right verbs can quickly turn a generic activities list into one that really showcases your leadership, initiative, and unique skills.
Best of luck wrapping up your Common App!
You can find comprehensive lists of action verbs online, often on college admissions sites and writing centers. For example, UNC Chapel Hill, Purdue OWL, and some college admissions blogs post curated lists. Some of the most cited collections come from educational websites and resume guides, which work well since the activities list is a lot like a mini-resume.
Here’s a quick set of verbs that stand out and might fit various experiences: initiated, led, organized, facilitated, spearheaded, mentored, engineered, designed, advocated, implemented, orchestrated, launched, collaborated, tutored, mediated, recruited, innovated, composed, enacted, directed, and coordinated.
A good example: instead of "helped with fundraising," try "coordinated annual fundraising campaign," or "secured sponsorships from local businesses." Or for tutoring: instead of "worked with classmates to study math," say "mentored peers in algebra concepts and developed study guides."
Some of my personal favorite less-common ones that students have successfully used are: "galvanized," "curated," "mobilized," "streamlined," and "championed." Each of these can add clarity and energy when describing what you actually did, especially when directly tied to tangible results (like increased membership, raised funds, or launched new initiatives).
To keep your list from sounding repetitive, vary the verbs by role and activity—don’t use "led" five times. When in doubt, think about your exact contribution, and then search "resume action verbs for [type of activity]" (e.g., fundraising, research, teaching). That keeps things specific and impactful.
You’re on the right track by looking for ways to stand out through word choice. Using the right verbs can quickly turn a generic activities list into one that really showcases your leadership, initiative, and unique skills.
Best of luck wrapping up your Common App!