College application reference
Common App Activities and Honors Sections
The Activities section is where first-year applicants can describe work, responsibilities, hobbies, clubs, and community involvement. Academic honors and achievements are reported separately. Colleges decide how they use the information in an application.
Activities can include more than school clubs
Common App identifies work, hobbies, clubs, community engagement, and other responsibilities as examples of material students can share in the Activities section. The relevant activity is one that helps describe how a student spends time or takes responsibility outside class.
Use the current field instructions in the application for limits and required details. Do not assume a limit from an old guide still applies.
Honors are a separate place for academic recognition
Common App's first-year guide distinguishes academic honors and achievements from the Activities section. Report recognition accurately and use the title or level shown by the awarding organization when possible.
Do not repeat the same material without a reason
An activity entry and an essay can discuss the same part of a student's life, but they serve different purposes. The activity entry should establish the factual record. An essay should add context or reflection only when a college asks for it.
Common questions
Can work or family responsibilities belong in the Activities section?+
Common App's guide includes work and responsibilities among the experiences students may share. Follow the current application instructions for how to enter each activity.
Are honors and activities the same section?+
No. Common App describes academic honors and achievements separately from the Activities section.
Official sources
Policies and requirements can change. Check these sources before acting on a deadline or requirement.
- Application guide for first-year students (Common App, reviewed 2026-08-11)