NCSSM Application: Tips for Listing Extracurriculars and Awards

Applying to North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to listing extracurriculars and awards. The application asks for a specific section where you need to provide a detailed list. The question is, should you list these activities and awards with commas, in a bulleted list, or should you elaborate with full sentences? In this article, I'll guide you through the process and provide some tips to ensure your application stands out.

Formatting Your Lists

Andrew's suggestion is spot on: listing activities and awards with commas is perfectly fine, and you can also choose to use a bulleted list. However, it's important to understand that you don't need to go overboard with detailed descriptions. Here are some reasons why keeping it simple can be effective:

Clarity and Conciseness: Bullet points or a comma-separated list allow the admissions committee to quickly scan and understand your involvement without being overwhelmed by detailed narratives. Content Over Form: The primary focus should be on what you've accomplished and the impact of your involvement, rather than how you present it. Readability: A clean, organized list is more likely to be read in its entirety, whereas lengthy descriptions might be skimmed or overlooked.

However, if you decide to use a bulleted list, make sure each bullet is succinct and to the point. Here's an example of how you might structure your list:

Example Bullet List

Oddball Robotics Team, President, 2022-2023 Math Competitions, Top 10, 2023 Science Olympiad, Regional Winner, 2022 Volunteer Tutor, Math and Science Club, 2021-2022

Notice how each bullet point is brief and to the point, highlighting your involvement and achievement without delving into unnecessary details.

Highlighting Achievements and Impact

While short and simple lists are appropriate, it's still crucial to mention the impact of your extracurricular activities and awards. Here are some tips to make your applications more compelling:

Attach Context: When applicable, provide a brief context for your involvement. For example, 'Oddsball Robotics Team, President, 2022-2023 (Helped lead a diverse team of students in building a robot)' Quantify Progress: Include specific achievements or milestones. For instance, 'Math Competitions, Top 10 in state, 2023 (Maintained a top 10 ranking in statewide math competitions multiple times)' Reflect on Impact: Mention how these activities have impacted you personally or contributed to the community. For example, 'Volunteer Tutor, Math and Science Club, 2021-2022 (Reduced the tutoring gap in our community by 30%)'

By striking a balance between brevity and detail, you can make a strong case for why NCSSM is the right fit for you without overwhelming the admissions committee.

Additional Tips for Social Media and Online Presence

While your application form will solely contain the bullet-listed information, your overall online presence and social media profiles can add a layer of depth to your application. Here are some additional tips:

Highlight Projects and Activities: If you have a personal website or blog, include links to projects, competitions, or publications. For example, a link to the website of your robotics team or a blog post about your tutoring experience. Engage with a Community: Participate actively in STEM clubs, forums, and social media groups. Showing your passion and engagement can make you stand out. Showcase Skill Development: If you have developed particular skills (like coding, public speaking, etc.), highlight them in your social media profiles and include relevant examples.

By integrating these elements, you can create a more comprehensive and well-rounded application that gives the admissions committee a full picture of who you are and what you bring to the NCSSM community.

Conclusion

Listing extracurricular activities and awards on your NCSSM application with commas or a simple, bulleted list is perfectly acceptable. However, remember to provide context and quantifiable achievements to make your application more compelling. Additionally, your online presence and social media activities can add valuable context and depth to your profile. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable application that showcases your unique qualities and contributions.