How should I write the NYU extracurricular profile to make my activities sound clear and strong?

For NYU’s extracurricular profile, make each entry short, specific, and impact-focused. The clearest descriptions usually follow this pattern: role, what you actually did, how often you did it, and what changed because of your work.

Start with the activity title and your position, then use the description to answer “What was my responsibility?” and “What was the outcome?” For example, instead of “Member of debate club,” write something closer to “Researched policy topics, wrote weekly cases, and helped the team reach quarterfinals at two regional tournaments.” If you had leadership, quantify it when possible, like the number of students you mentored, events you organized, or hours you worked per week.

Put the strongest or most meaningful activities first if the form lets you rank them. For mixed activities like clubs, volunteer work, and a job, focus on what shows initiative, leadership, or sustained commitment. A part-time job can be especially strong if you managed responsibilities, trained others, solved problems, or supported family finances, so don’t undersell it.

Avoid vague filler like “helped,” “participated,” or “learned teamwork” unless you immediately explain how. If space is tight, use strong verbs and leave out full sentences that repeat what the activity title already says.