How do you use verbs from the College Essay Guy’s epic list to spice up your activities section?
I’ve been working on my Common App activities list and I came across this giant list of action verbs from College Essay Guy. I keep seeing advice online to use specific, vivid verbs, but I’m not exactly sure how to pick the right ones without sounding weird or forced.
For example, I was president of my school’s debate club and helped organize community debates. I want to describe what I did in a way that actually stands out, but I always end up with generic words like 'led' or 'organized.' Should I be using words like 'orchestrated,' 'mobilized,' or is that trying too hard?
If anyone can share examples or tips on balancing strong verbs with sounding natural, I’d really appreciate it! I want my activities to pop but not feel artificial. Has using this list helped anyone get more attention from admissions officers?
For example, I was president of my school’s debate club and helped organize community debates. I want to describe what I did in a way that actually stands out, but I always end up with generic words like 'led' or 'organized.' Should I be using words like 'orchestrated,' 'mobilized,' or is that trying too hard?
If anyone can share examples or tips on balancing strong verbs with sounding natural, I’d really appreciate it! I want my activities to pop but not feel artificial. Has using this list helped anyone get more attention from admissions officers?
5 months ago
•
53 views
Camille Luong
• 5 months ago
Advisor
Great question! Using vivid verbs can absolutely make your activities section stand out—but it’s all about matching the verb to the actual action, so things sound authentic rather than forced. The goal is to capture what you did with as much clarity, specificity, and impact as possible, without making your resume sound like a thesaurus exploded on it.
When you’re tempted to use a word like “orchestrated” or “mobilized,” pause and ask: does this accurately reflect how you led your debate club? For example, if you simply held meetings, “led” or “facilitated” might be right. If you brought together different clubs to pull off a complex tournament, “coordinated” or “orchestrated” works better.
Here’s an example for your position:
- Instead of: “Led debate club and organized community debates.”
- Try: “Directed weekly meetings, coached novice debaters, and spearheaded citywide competitions involving five schools.”
Notice how “directed,” “coached,” and “spearheaded” are all action-oriented and clear, but carefully chosen to match what you did. If you ‘rallied’ students to volunteer at an event, say so. If you ‘launched’ a new program, use that verb. The idea is to pick the verb that best fits your contribution—strong, but not exaggerated.
Personally, I found it helpful to take my basic description, then scan the verb list for alternatives. I’d say the verb out loud and see if it felt comfortable and accurate. For instance, “advocated for debate outreach to local middle schools,” or “championed new training workshops.”
Admissions officers have read thousands of applications, so they recognize when verbs are being used just for flair. You want your verbs to both fit the role and show your initiative. Don’t use five-dollar words just to impress—use them to clarify and highlight impact.
Quick tip: after revising your verbs, have a friend or counselor read your list. Ask if anything sounds strange or over the top. Often, a fresh pair of eyes will spot what’s working and what isn’t.
Using the list thoughtfully can definitely help your application stand out. Focus on matching verbs to real responsibility, and you’ll strike a great balance.
When you’re tempted to use a word like “orchestrated” or “mobilized,” pause and ask: does this accurately reflect how you led your debate club? For example, if you simply held meetings, “led” or “facilitated” might be right. If you brought together different clubs to pull off a complex tournament, “coordinated” or “orchestrated” works better.
Here’s an example for your position:
- Instead of: “Led debate club and organized community debates.”
- Try: “Directed weekly meetings, coached novice debaters, and spearheaded citywide competitions involving five schools.”
Notice how “directed,” “coached,” and “spearheaded” are all action-oriented and clear, but carefully chosen to match what you did. If you ‘rallied’ students to volunteer at an event, say so. If you ‘launched’ a new program, use that verb. The idea is to pick the verb that best fits your contribution—strong, but not exaggerated.
Personally, I found it helpful to take my basic description, then scan the verb list for alternatives. I’d say the verb out loud and see if it felt comfortable and accurate. For instance, “advocated for debate outreach to local middle schools,” or “championed new training workshops.”
Admissions officers have read thousands of applications, so they recognize when verbs are being used just for flair. You want your verbs to both fit the role and show your initiative. Don’t use five-dollar words just to impress—use them to clarify and highlight impact.
Quick tip: after revising your verbs, have a friend or counselor read your list. Ask if anything sounds strange or over the top. Often, a fresh pair of eyes will spot what’s working and what isn’t.
Using the list thoughtfully can definitely help your application stand out. Focus on matching verbs to real responsibility, and you’ll strike a great balance.
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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