Table of Contents
Introduction: How to Describe Sports on Common App
The Common App is a crucial platform for college applications, allowing students to showcase their extracurricular activities, including sports. However, many students struggle with how to describe their sports participation concisely yet impressively. How to Describe Sports on Common App
So, how do you describe sports on the Common App to make your application stand out?
This guide will walk you through the best strategies to craft a compelling sports description, including using strong action verbs, highlighting leadership roles, and showcasing impact. How to Describe Sports on Common App
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1. Understanding the Common App Activities Section
The Common App Activities Section allows students to list up to 10 extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, volunteer work, and part-time jobs. Each activity entry consists of:
- Activity Name (50 characters max)
- Position/Leadership Description (50 characters max)
- Activity Details & Accomplishments (150 characters max)
- Hours per week & weeks per year
Since space is limited, concise yet powerful descriptions are key to making an impact. How to Describe Sports on Common App
2. How to Write an Effective Sports Description
When describing sports on the Common App, focus on your role, achievements, leadership, and impact.
✅ Use Strong Action Verbs
Instead of writing:
❌ “Played on the varsity soccer team.”
Write:
✅ “Competed as a varsity forward, scoring 15+ goals per season and leading the team to state finals.” How to Describe Sports on Common App
Examples of Action Verbs for Sports:
- Led
- Captained
- Trained
- Competed
- Mentored
- Strategized
- Organized
- Coached
✅ Highlight Leadership & Teamwork
Colleges value leadership skills, so emphasize roles like captain, mentor, or organizer.
Example:
✅ “Varsity Basketball Captain – Led team workouts, organized strategy meetings, and mentored new players.” How to Describe Sports on Common App
✅ Showcase Impact & Achievements
Mention awards, records, championships, or improvements that set you apart.
Example:
✅ “Placed 3rd in the regional tennis championship; trained 10+ hours weekly to refine technique and strategy.”
3. Examples of Sports Descriptions for Common App

Example 1: Soccer Player
Position: Varsity Soccer Captain
Description: Led team to regional championships, scoring 10+ goals per season. Organized practice drills and mentored new players.
Example 2: Track & Field Athlete
Position: Track & Field Sprinter
Description: Competed in 100m and 200m events, setting school record for fastest sprint. Trained intensively, improving speed by 0.5s.
Example 3: Tennis Team Member
Position: Varsity Tennis Player
Description: Played #1 singles, won 85% of matches, and led team to state quarterfinals. Assisted in coaching youth summer tennis programs.
4. Tips for Writing a Standout Sports Description
✔️ Be Specific – Mention positions, achievements, and leadership roles.
✔️ Show Impact – Describe how you contributed to the team’s success.
✔️ Use Numbers – Quantify achievements (e.g., “Won 10+ tournaments” or “Trained 15 hours/week”).
✔️ Keep It Concise – Use all 150 characters wisely without fluff.
5. How Sports Participation Strengthens Your College Application
Involvement in sports demonstrates valuable qualities such as:
🏆 Discipline & Commitment – Shows dedication and time management.
🏆 Leadership & Teamwork – Highlights ability to work collaboratively.
🏆 Perseverance & Resilience – Proves ability to overcome challenges.
Admissions officers appreciate well-rounded students who balance academics with extracurriculars.
Conclusion: Make Your Sports Description Shine!
A well-crafted sports description on the Common App can set you apart in the competitive admissions process. Use action words, highlight achievements, and showcase leadership to make a lasting impression.
🎯 Need help crafting the perfect Common App entry? Drop your questions in the comments! 🚀