Common App Activity Types
What activity categories are allowed in the Common App?
If you’ve started filling out the activities section of the Common App, you may have noticed there are a limited number of categories – or “types” – of activities to choose from.
While it’s normal to sweat over picking the “right” category for each activity, the truth is that you don’t need to worry, because the category matters less than the content. Categories can help you tell your story, but ultimately admissions officers will be focused on what you actually say about each activity.
And yet, you still have to pick one category for each activity! To help you organize your activities list (I also recommend my Activities List Template for that task), here’s a handy-dandy list of the 29 predefined activity categories in the Common App (also available as a printable PDF).
Common App Activity Categories
Academic
Art
Athletics: Club
Athletics: JV or Varsity
Career-oriented
Community Service (Volunteer)
Computer/Technology
Cultural
Dance
Debate/Speech
Environmental
Family Responsibilities
Foreign Exchange
Internship
Journalism/Publication
Junior R.O.T.C.
LGBT
Musical: Instrumental
Musical: Vocal
Religious
Research
Robotics
School Spirit
Science/Math
Social Justice
Student Govt./Politics
Theater/Drama
Work (Paid)
Other Club/Activity
Guidelines for Picking Categories
The #1 most important tip for picking the right activity “type?”
Don’t sweat it! College admissions officers are much more interested in the content of your activities list – what you actually did, leadership positions, how much time you invested – than in the category. Just pick the category that seems most appropriate.
Most students I work with end up including activities from around 3-4 different categories, which helps them look a bit more well-rounded than only having 1 or 2. However, being well-rounded is much less important in 2026 than it was in 2006! I’ve seen kids get into top schools with activities from only 2 categories. Conversely, if an admissions officer sees an activities list with 10 different categories, you’re likely to come off as unfocused.
Keep it simple, and use the categories to tell the story of your most personally meaningful interests and pursuits. And remember: content is much more important than category!
For more guidance on writing a strong activities list, including a sample activities list and sample resumes, check out Appendix II of Write Yourself In (p. 267).
