4 Ways to Make the Most of the UC Activities & Awards Section

The University of California Application Activities & Awards section provides context and information beyond courses and grades; it lets UC app readers determine how students spend their time, what they value most, and how they have grown during high school. When I reviewed applications at UCLA, I considered the Activities & Awards section to be just as crucial as the Personal Insight Questions section (where we asked students to write four short essays).

As applicants craft their Activities & awards section, they should keep in mind the comprehensive review factors that the UC considers, like intellectual and social contributions, determination, initiative, leadership, and maturity. Here are some additional tips on how to optimize this section of the app:

Share personal contributions  

It is important to get specific and personal in activity descriptions. Share your responsibilities and the positive outcomes that resulted from your actions. This helps distinguish your individual contributions.

For example, in orchestra, a student might have been tasked with preparing their section for concerts. Within their Activities & awards, they could include details on how exactly they assisted students through actions like creating new practice guides and organizing extra peer-teaching sessions. They can also describe how these actions improved the other students’ confidence and abilities.

As another example, a student could share their experience as a part-time employee at a restaurant. They may include details, like how they typically serve 50 customers per shift, resolve customer issues without supervisor assistance, and have recently trained two new hires. Concrete details like this strengthen the student’s narrative and allow the reader to understand the scope of the student’s role.

Demonstrate values and qualities through action  

Strong descriptions are more than just a list of responsibilities. They also highlight the student’s character and communicate distinct qualities that strengthen their UC candidacy.  

For example, a varsity soccer player might focus on their qualities of leadership, commitment, and empathy. Within the Activities & Awards description, they could discuss how they noticed new team players struggling with defensive strategy then, in response, offered to stay after practices to help, presented them with new defensive footwork and positioning drills, and saw fewer goals conceded by these players.  

As a second example, a robotics team member might want to show collaboration and innovation. To do this, they could explain how they helped form team coordination by implementing new resources like a Discord server and a chart listing teammates’ technical skills and competencies. 

Don’t underestimate your activities 

Everything counts. Students may overlook activities they consider less prestigious but that nonetheless demonstrate positive qualities that make for a compelling applicant.  

For example, a student might cook meals for their family, take care of siblings, or help an elder family member with errands or chores. These actions demonstrate responsibility and care. Another student might babysit for families in their neighborhood, while another might mow lawns or walk dogs. These work experiences show entrepreneurship and independence. Even a hobby can show meaningful qualities and skills. For example, a student teaching themselves guitar, taking up photography, or getting really into birdwatching can communicate curiosity, persistence, and enthusiasm when describing these pursuits.  

Maintain your own voice 

Just as the PIQ are a chance for application readers to get to know you, so too is the Activities & awards section. Write in your own voice so that the reader can pick up on your personality, and therefore more easily envision you on campus. Students sometimes tend to put on a more adult voice in this section in an attempt to sound professional. But remember, you’re applying to be part of a campus community—not to a job—so try to let your authentic voice shine through.