Essay Mini Series – How to Write the “Activity” Essay

By Nicole December 11, 2025 BS/MD Admissions Consulting College Application Interview Prep Medical School Admissions Consulting White Coat Club Podcast

If you’ve ever stared at the “Activity” or “Extracurricular” essay prompt wondering how you’re supposed to turn a club meeting, weekend volunteering, or a casual hobby into something meaningful, this episode is for you.

In our first installment of our Essay Mini Series, we break down the Activity Essay—one of the most overlooked yet powerful opportunities on a college application. Hosts Nicole and Amanda dive into what admissions officers really want to see, how to find the story behind an activity, and how to write beyond the resume bullet points.

Check out the latest episode of the White Coat Club to see the complete breakdown of what you need to know.

⭐ What This Episode Covers:

  • Why the Activity Essay matters even if you’ve already listed the activity on your application

  • How to avoid the trap of simply describing what you did

  • Ways to highlight growth, impact, and personal meaning (even from something that doesn’t feel “impressive”)

  • A simple storytelling framework for crafting a compelling short response

  • Real examples and common mistakes students make—and how to fix them

🎧 Why You Should Listen

The Activity Essay can elevate your application by showing what the experience meant to you, not just what you did. Whether your activity is shadowing, robotics, dance, babysitting, research, or working a part-time job, this episode will help you uncover the deeper narrative that sets you apart.

📌 Perfect For:

  • Students brainstorming or revising their Activity Essay

  • Parents supporting their students through the essay-writing process

  • Anyone feeling stuck on how to turn everyday experiences into strong application material

Tune in to learn how to transform a simple activity into a standout story—and take one more step toward an application you’re proud of.