June 25, 2024

DNR: Drafts - Notes - Refined

I approach the commonApp activities writing in three phases:

the activities draft —> activities Notes —> Refined 150 characters description.

Before I get into the 3 step DNR process which can greatly streamline a students process in writing their activities, I think it will be very helpful to actually read a page/website that details what a commonApp activity is. Check it here from shemmassian consulting.

How to Stand Out on the Common App Activities Section (Example Included) — Shemmassian Academic Consulting

That page is quite detailed and the right place for you to start. It will teach you the;

1. CommonApp activities section overview
2. Writing strategies (important for DNR)
3. Advanced strategies (important for DNR)
4. Examples

Now, the Guide;

1. The activities draft. D

The activities draft contains what a student did in RICH detail. Here a student has to be very detailed about the particular activity and their involvement.

DO NOT LIE ABOUT WHAT YOU DID OR ACHIEVED. NEVER!

Write everything here, no word limit/counts. No real structure, you can use bullet points or paragraphs as long as you have the rich detail.