Giving Back

College admissions can be a competitive experience. Sometimes an outstanding transcript and strong test scores aren’t enough for selective schools. Admission officers are looking beyond academics and into a student’s interests, values and characteristics. Community service is a great way to demonstrate your concern for others and explore your own interests.

Ideally, your service blends with your genuine passions. For example, someone who loves art might volunteer to craft with kids in a children’s hospital or start an art therapy program in a nursing home.

Use your extracurriculars to your advantage. If you’re in student government, demonstrate your leadership by trying to get your class involved in a project like cooking meals at the homeless shelter or serving as student mentors to younger kids.

Some creative ways to get involved include donating your time. Animal shelters, homeless shelters, nursing homes, etc. are always looking for volunteers. Another way is working to solve a problem. Do your part to help the environment by starting a recycling program in your community. Or plant trees in local parks. Or maybe your school puts on fundraisers or charity events—get involved by raising money or helping to organize the event. Things like these can increase self-esteem, develop skills and show strong leadership.

While it’s great to start a project, not everyone has (or wants) to be a leader. Simple things like reading to children in the hospital each week throughout high school show commitment and compassion.  

There isn’t a “best” way to volunteer. The key is finding a blend of what you love and how to give back. When you get involved in an activity that you enjoy and makes you feel good, you can translate that excitement into your college applications.

Pursuing your genuine interests makes it much easier to continue these activities again and again. Commitment like that impresses admissions officers AND helps you develop a sense of pride and self-esteem.