How important is community service in your application?

As high school students look for ways to differentiate themselves in the college admissions process, many overlook community service as a means to do so. Volunteering is a great way for you to give back; it’s also one way that you can help to improve your chances of getting into college.

Volunteering is important because it gives you a chance to enter new surroundings, meet new people and take in an entirely new experience. Volunteering forces you to see things in a new light, whether your work is helping out at a soup kitchen, doing local gardening or supervising kids at an after-school program. These activities might not sound like fun – but once you see the impact, it can be extremely rewarding.

When I was a junior in high school, my church youth group traveled to New Orleans to rebuild houses that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. It was hard, physical labor but ultimately a positive, formative experience. Not only did I get to see New Orleans (during Mardi Gras, no less) but I also gained a real appreciation for all of the comforts I took for granted at home.

One of my friends from the trip chose to write his college application essay about the trip and it was a powerful story. But you shouldn’t volunteer just so that you have a compelling essay topic. I didn’t. I valued my time in New Orleans simply for giving me a newfound gratitude more than anything else.

A good idea is to find volunteer opportunities that are aligned with your interests. If you want to study medicine, get involved at the local hospital. If it’s music, get involved at a community music group. You get the idea.

Volunteering will help others and give you understanding and perspective on life. And if it helps you stand out in the applicant pool, that’s a bonus.