Scholar Lab: Activity List (for Class of '26)

*Exclusively for Access College America scholars

*For the Class of 2026

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).

PRESENTERS:

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.

Julie Gooden, M.Ed.

College Consultant Associate

Access College America

Julie brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as College Consultant Associate with Access College America. With an impressive 29-year career in public education, Julie's journey has evolved from the elementary school classroom to various impactful roles, including Lead Counselor, AP (Advanced Placement) Coordinator, Advanced Academics Coordinator, and AVID Counselor and Administrator. She also spent many years working in the admissions office of Austin Community College and an Academic Counselor.

Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development, as well as a Master’s in Education with a focus on Psychology/School Counseling, both earned from The University of Texas at Austin, where she proudly holds a Life Membership with the Texas-Exes. Her certifications span Elementary School Teaching, School Counseling, and Principal/Administration. In her role as a College Consultant Associate, Julie possesses a unique gift for working with individual scholars, helping them discover their passion and forge a path toward a productive and independent future within the community.