Should I Put Hobbies On My Common App? A College Application Dilemma

The Common App allows applicants to list a wide range of hobbies and extracurricular activities in their application. According to Common App guidelines, these activities encompass various categories such as arts, athletics, clubs, employment, personal commitments, and other pursuits. In essence, anything that you actively engage in outside of your regular classroom studies can be considered an eligible activity. This information is valid as of May 25, 2023. Including your hobbies and interests can provide a more holistic view of your character and involvement to college admissions committees.

When deciding on the topic for your college essay, it’s crucial to select a subject that holds genuine significance to you rather than opting for something solely to make a good impression. You have the flexibility to explore various avenues, including recounting a specific life experience, delving into a cherished hobby, or sharing a unique personality trait that showcases your strengths. It’s also entirely acceptable to open up about your vulnerabilities and challenges. By choosing a topic that resonates with you personally and authentically represents your character, you’ll have a better chance of crafting a compelling and memorable college essay. This advice remains relevant as of July 26, 2022.

Is a hobby similar to an extracurricular activity? To answer this question, let’s first clarify what each term means.

A hobby is an activity that you are deeply passionate about and thoroughly enjoy, often something you engage in for an extended period, possibly even throughout your life. Hobbies are pursuits that bring you personal satisfaction and pleasure.

On the other hand, an extracurricular activity encompasses a broader category. It includes hobbies but goes beyond them. Extracurricular activities refer to any pursuits or interests you choose to engage in outside of your academic studies. While a hobby can certainly fall under the umbrella of extracurricular activities, not all extracurricular activities are necessarily hobbies.

In essence, you can have multiple extracurricular activities in your life, such as clubs, sports, or volunteer work, but you typically only have a few hobbies that hold a special place in your heart due to the immense enjoyment and personal connection they bring. So, while hobbies are a subset of extracurricular activities, the two terms are not interchangeable, as extracurricular activities encompass a wider range of pursuits.