Should I fill out all 20 UC activities?

You don't have to fill all 20 UC activity slots; quality and depth of involvement matter far more than quantity, so focus on meaningful experiences like leadership, significant commitment, or impact, and use the space for genuine activities rather than fillers. While it's fine to list up to 20 if you have them, the UCs want to see who you are and what you've accomplished in a few areas, not just a long list, so prioritize substantial entries.

How many activities should I list on UC?

The Activities & Awards section of the UC application is where you will list and describe your extracurricular activities and achieve- ments. You can list up to 20 activities that demonstrate commitment, responsibility, leadership, and genuine interest.

Do UCs ask for 20 activities?

Hey! Good question on the UC application activities section. There's a limit of 20 slots for activities, awards, and work experience, so you can list up to 20 items if you have them. However, it's important to focus on the quality of your activities rather than just trying to fill up all the slots.

Should I fill up all 10 activities on the Common App?

You don't have to fill all 10 Common App activity slots, as quality and depth of involvement matter far more than quantity, but many strong applicants do fill most or all slots with meaningful pursuits, not "filler" activities. Focus on activities showing passion, commitment, and impact, using specific descriptions and numbers where possible, rather than listing superficial involvement just to hit ten. 

What is the 9% rule for UC?

The UC's 9% rule refers to two guaranteed admission pathways for top-performing California residents: the Statewide Guarantee for those in the top 9% statewide (based on a formula including A-G courses and UC GPA) and Eligible in the Local Context (ELC) for those in the top 9% of their specific participating high school, ensuring a spot at a UC if space is available. 

How to (correctly) write your Activities on the Common App

Does the order of UC activities matter?

To answer your question, no, the order of your listed activities on the UC application does not carry a significant impact, but you can still use it strategically to highlight your most important achievements.

Is it okay to not have all ten activities?

Ten is the maximum number of activities you can add on the Common App activities list, but it is not a requirement. While some applicants might decide to pad their applications with numerous activities to make sure it is full, adopting a more focused approach is better.

What are some Tier 1 extracurriculars?

Tier 1 extracurriculars are rare, high-impact activities showing exceptional talent or leadership, like winning national academic awards (USAMO), becoming a nationally ranked athlete, publishing significant research, starting a successful nonprofit, or securing a highly prestigious internship (e.g., Google Summer of Code). These activities demonstrate unique achievement and initiative, often involving national recognition or substantial, measurable impact. 

What does Harvard look for in extracurriculars?

Strong Extracurriculars

Extracurricular activities can consist of community service, athletics, music, theater, or any other passions and commitments that students pursue outside of school. High school students who get into Harvard tend to have leadership positions when applicable.

Do UCs look at all activities?

Yes! While your grades and standardized test scores make up the foundation of your college application, your activities will allow you to stand out amongst the sea of applicants and could tip an application in your favor.

What is the #1 hardest college to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

Why is Gen Z not going to college?

Gen Z is questioning college due to skyrocketing costs, overwhelming student debt, and a perceived poor return on investment (ROI), especially with AI changing jobs and stronger alternatives like skilled trades emerging, leading many to seek faster, cheaper paths to financial stability and job security. They've seen Millennials' debt struggles, witness online success stories, and value hands-on training over traditional degrees, making college less of a guaranteed ticket to success.
 

Does UC check your activities?

Activities/Awards: Applicants should not exaggerate or fabricate awards or activities because the information submitted is subject to verification. In fact, UC does verify information that students report on the application.

Which common extracurricular activities don't impress admissions officers?

Extracurricular Activities that Do Not Impress Admissions Officers

• Travel. ...
• Athletics. ...
• Academic honor societies. ...
• Cliché school activities unrelated to a hook. ...
• Leadership activities merely in an effort to showcase leadership skills. ...
• Community service activities merely to demonstrate they're good people. ...
• Awards.

What are the 5 D's of college essays?

The "5 Ds" of college essays are common, overused topics to avoid, representing Death, Divorce, Disease (or Depression), Drugs, and Dating, as they're hard to write about compellingly and often become cliché, making it tough to stand out; instead, focus on showcasing your personality and growth through more unique experiences, experts advise. 

Should I fill out all 10 activities on the Common App?

You don't have to fill all 10 Common App activity slots, as quality and depth of involvement matter far more than quantity, but many strong applicants do fill most or all slots with meaningful pursuits, not "filler" activities. Focus on activities showing passion, commitment, and impact, using specific descriptions and numbers where possible, rather than listing superficial involvement just to hit ten. 

What extracurriculars do colleges value the most?

Colleges favor extracurriculars showing passion, leadership, and commitment, like founding a club or significant community service, alongside strong involvement in STEM (robotics, research), arts (music, theater, visual arts), athletics (team captaincy), or debate/academic teams, alongside real-world experience from internships or jobs, demonstrating skills like innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving. The best activities are deep, impactful, and align with your interests, rather than just joining many superficial groups.
 

Is 7 extracurriculars enough?

While applying to colleges, many students wonder whether their involvement in extracurricular activities will be sufficient. To this, we say: quality over quantity. There are no cookie-cutter criteria from a college or university about extracurricular expectations.

What is considered weak extracurricular?

Weak extracurriculars, on the other hand, tend to be reactive rather than proactive. Students might join a club just to “check a box,” drop activities frequently, or participate without taking ownership. These patterns reflect low engagement or lack of direction.

Can I get into Harvard with no extracurriculars?

Even if you have no extracurricular activities for college, you may still have a chance of getting into Harvard. However, Harvard University is one of the most prestigious and competitive institutions globally, and they receive many applications from highly qualified candidates.

How many hours of extracurriculars is too much?

How much is too much? It's estimated that the average student spends five hours per week participating in extracurriculars, but 3-6% of kids are spending 20 hours or more each week. For some, five hours may be too much, and for others, 20 hours may not a problem. It all depends on the child.

What is the 9% UC rule?

The Statewide Index identifies California-resident students in the top 9 percent of California high school graduates and offers these students a guaranteed space at a UC campus, if space is available.

What is the #1 most applied to college?

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) consistently ranks as the #1 most applied-to college in the United States, leading the nation in application volume for recent years, with other UC schools like UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, and UC Irvine also high on the list, often attracting over 100,000 applicants each for Fall 2025 intake. UCLA's popularity stems from its strong academics, reputation, and location, attracting a large pool of both in-state (due to California's application system) and out-of-state students.
 

What is the hardest UK University to get into?

What Are the Hardest Universities to Get into UK? University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) are frequently regarded as the most competitive and hardest universities to get into in the UK.