Top Action Verbs to Strengthen Your College Activities List
In college applications, every word counts—and the right verbs can make all the difference. Admissions officers are skimming quickly, so choosing verbs that are clear and powerful helps them understand the value you bring to each activity. Think of these words as tiny powerhouses that showcase what you did, how you did it, and the impact you made.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a list of power verbs to make your college activities list stand out. Whether you’re describing leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, or creativity, we’ve got you covered!
Read on for tips on how to choose and utilize specific verbs. If you’re just getting started on the activity list, check out our beginner’s guide on mastering the college activities list or 4 common mistakes to avoid when writing your activity list.
Otherwise, jump to the bottom to see the list.
Table of Contents
But first a disclaimer: from my 10+ years experience working across marketing, creative, and technology industries at companies both big and small, there are some verbs that give off a “corporate vibe” which can make it feel like someone working for a big company wrote your list for you without realizing this is for college applications, not a performance review. I’ve marked them in red, so use them with caution.
How to Choose the Right Verb
It’s important to choose verbs that best capture the action and outcome of each activity. Verbs like “helped” or “participated” are okay, but more specific words can convey the unique value you added.
Quick Tip: Ask Yourself Three Questions
Does this verb clearly describe what I contributed?
Can I be more specific to show my unique role or outcome?
Is there a stronger verb that reflects my skills or impact?
Action Verbs by Category
Use the list below to find verbs that highlight different aspects of your roles. Choosing strong, specific verbs makes your contributions more compelling and memorable.
1. Leadership and Initiative
If you led, started, or organized an activity, these verbs will help you communicate that leadership. Use verbs that reflect the direction and support you provided.
Verbs: Led, Directed, Coordinated, Organized, Founded, Pioneered, Launched, Managed, Delegated
Example:
Before: “Helped with club meetings.”
After: “Organized weekly club meetings, coordinating speakers and activities for 30+ members.”
2. Teamwork and Collaboration
When you’re part of a team effort, focus on verbs that show how you contributed to the group’s success, even if you weren’t the lead. Words that reflect collaboration or support work well here.
Verbs: Collaborated, Partnered, Co-facilitated, Supported, Contributed, Advised, Mentored, Engaged
Example:
Before: “Worked with team.”
After: “Collaborated with a team of four to design and present a marketing campaign.”
3. Problem Solving and Analysis
For roles involving problem-solving or analytical thinking, choose verbs that reflect these critical skills. Highlight how you found solutions, developed ideas, or evaluated results.
Verbs: Analyzed, Solved, Diagnosed, Troubleshot, Investigated, Resolved, Developed, Enhanced
Example:
Before: “Helped with project.”
After: “Developed a new process that reduced project completion time by 15%.”
4. Creativity and Innovation
When showcasing creativity or innovation, use verbs that emphasize how you brought fresh ideas, designs, or initiatives to life.
Verbs: Designed, Created, Innovated, Initiated, Curated, Composed, Illustrated, Invented
Example:
Before: “Participated in art fair.”
After: “Designed an interactive exhibit for art fair, drawing 200 visitors.”
5. Technical and Research Skills
For technical roles or research-based activities, use verbs that reflect your expertise or skills in a specific area. Choose words that show precision, analysis, or application of technical knowledge.
Verbs: Researched, Collected, Compiled, Evaluated, Tested, Implemented, Programmed, Engineered
Example:
Before: “Worked on data collection.”
After: “Implemented data collection process that increased lab accuracy by 10%.”
Tips for Using Action Verbs Effectively
1. Be Specific but Concise
Each activity description should be both informative and to the point. Using precise verbs helps keep descriptions short yet impactful.
2. Match Verb with Role
Make sure your verb accurately reflects your role. If you were responsible for a project, “Managed” or “Led” might be a good fit. If you were contributing to a larger team effort, “Supported” or “Collaborated” could be more appropriate.
3. Avoid Redundancy
Using the same verb multiple times across activities can make descriptions feel repetitive. Vary your language to keep each entry fresh.
4. Proofread for Consistency
Make sure verbs are in the correct tense—past tense for roles you’ve completed and present tense for ongoing roles.
List of 200+ Top Action Verbs
Choosing specific, strong verbs can transform your activities list, showing admissions officers exactly how you made an impact. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen word—these small changes can make a big difference in how you present yourself.
Remember, you have a unique story to tell, and the right verbs can help bring it to life in as low as 150 characters. Now, go and make your achievements shine!
Management skills
Administered
Analyzed
Assigned
Campaigned
Chaired
Consolidated
Contracted
Coordinated
Delegated
Developed
Directed
Ensured
Evaluated
Executed
Led
Organized
Oversaw
Planned
Prioritized
Produced
Recommended
Reorganized
Restructured
Reviewed
Scheduled
Supervised
Financial skills
Administered
Allocated
Analyzed
Appraised
Audited
Balanced
Budgeted
Calculated
Computed
Developed
Fundraised
Managed
Marketed
Planned
Projected
Raised
Researched
Communication skills
Addressed
Advertised
Advocated
Answered
Arbitrated
Arranged
Authored
Co-authored
Collaborated
Contacted
Corresponded
Developed
Directed
Discussed
Documented
Drafted
Edited
Enlisted
Formulated
Influenced
Interacted
Interpreted
Interviewed
Lectured
Mediated
Moderated
Negotiated
Partnered
Persuaded
Promoted
Proposed
Publicized
Reconciled
Recruited
Spoke
Translated
Wrote
Research skills
Clarified
Collected
Critiqued
Diagnosed
Evaluated
Examined
Extracted
Identified
Inspected
Interpreted
Interviewed
Investigated
Organized
Quantified
Reviewed
Summarized
Surveyed
Systematized
Tested
Tracked
Teaching skills
Adapted
Advised
Clarified
Coached
Communicated
Conducted
Coordinated
Developed
Enabled
Encouraged
Evaluated
Explained
Facilitated
Guided
Informed
Instructed
Lectured
Mentored
Persuaded
Set
Stimulated
Taught
Trained
Tutored
Creative, technical, hands-on skills
Acted
Assembled
Built
Composed
Conceptualized
Created
Customized
Designed
Developed
Devised
Directed
Engineered
Established
Fabricated
Fashioned
Illustrated
Instituted
Integrated
Maintained
Performed
Planned
Programmed
Proved
Redesigned
Repaired
Restored
Revised
Revitalized
Set up
Shaped
Streamlined
Structured
Tabulated
Tailored
Validated
Helping skills
Assessed
Assisted
Cared for
Clarified
Coached
Counseled
Demonstrated
Demystified
Diagnosed
Educated
Facilitated
Familiarized
Guided
Inspired
Motivated
Participated
Provided
Referred
Rehabilitated
Reinforced
Represented
Supported
Taught
Trained
Verified
Clerical or detail-oriented skills
Approved
Arranged
Catalogued
Classified
Collected
Compiled
Coordinated
Customized
Delivered
Dispatched
Executed
Filed
Generated
Implemented
Inspected
Maintained
Monitored
Operated
Ordered
Organized
Prepared
Processed
Purchased
Recorded
Retrieved
Screened
Specified
Systematized
Tabulated
Stronger verbs for accomplishments (big achievements or tangible impact)
Accelerated
Achieved
Attained
Awarded
Completed
Conceived
Converted
Convinced
Discovered
Doubled
Earned
Effected
Eliminated
Exceeded
Expanded
Expedited
Founded
Grew
Improved
Increased
Initiated
Innovated
Introduced
Invented
Launched
Mastered
Originated
Overcame
Overhauled
Pioneered
Reached
Reduced
Resolved
Revitalized
Spearheaded
Strengthened
Succeeded
Surpassed
Transformed
Upgraded