question about the application

So I just finished the application today, as I am planning to apply early action. Honestly Im kind of scared to haha. Anyways, what is with the part of the application where it has you submit you 6 most important ec activities? How does this at all help the admission board develop the applicant that they review. I mean really I dont see its help to the application process.

Also, how much weight is cast on the personal statements? The word limit on this absolute ruined it for me. I still...

question about the application