Common Application Lab (for Class of '25)

***Exclusively for Access College America scholars***

The Common Application Activity List is often used as a replacement for the resume in the college application. It is a list of 10 activities that the applicant has delved into over the span of their high school experience. It is an opportunity to highlight intellectual curiosities, accomplishments and showcase talent in a contextually rich way. But be advised: You only have 150 characters per entry! Strategy is needed.

Using our template, we will help you narrow your Common Application Activities List to your top 10 entries. We will discuss organization, rank and description. We will also look at tips for strengthening your list. We will discuss action verbs, provide suggestions to lengthen (or shorten) your descriptions for maximum impact.

Needed:

• Revised Scholar Vitae & Resume
• 2 Pens
• highlighter(s)
• notebook for taking notes
• 3-to-5 blank sheets of paper

Be Advised:

• This is a hands-on working lab with camera & audio on. Participation is required for all attendees.
• We suggest water & snacks readily available.
• Plan to be in a quite location suitable for brainstorming activities and writing.
• You MUST be at a desk and in front of a computer (no phones allowed).

PRESENTER:

Ann Cinelli, M.Ed.

College Consultant Associate

Access College America

Ann is a licensed school counselor with a Master's Degree in Education from Springfield College. She has been a school counselor for over 10 years and has a passion for challenging scholars to find the right college fit and create a balanced college list.

Ann is a native New Yorker who attended college in Massachusetts but now resides in Texas. Through her college experience in the Northeast, she provides a rich perspective on a region of the country that is quite popular for the college bound. Ann is not only passionate about college readiness and preparing her scholars for lifelong learning, she is also equipped with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and focuses on the social, emotional & physical wellbeing of her scholars. She is highly experienced in providing guidance for STEM majors, specifically computer science, BS/MD, business and application strategies for highly selective schools, many of which she has toured through college visits and counselor fly-ins.