Get Going Workshops

by Joanne Levy-Prewitt

Community Service Can Enhance Student’s College Application

High school students volunteer or participate in community service activities for a variety of reasons. Some are passionate about their commitments; others volunteer because they are required to do so -- either by their churches, synagogues, Scouting troops, clubs or high schools. While most students know that they should list their volunteer commitments on their college applications, many students and parents have asked me about the actual significance of these activities in the admissions process.

Community service has been an important part of American culture ever since John F. Kennedy implored us to "ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country" in his 1961 inaugural address. Civic and religious organizations encourage volunteerism and community activism and, at some public and private high schools, it is required for graduation.

(Requiring community service for graduation doesn't always have the desired effect; some young adults find themselves doing it only because it is required and learn little about themselves -- or the beneficiaries of their work -- in the process.)

Though community service is seldom required for admission, colleges are curious about a prospective student's community participation because it might predict his or her level of involvement on campus, and because it can indicate if an applicant is generous of spirit.

Bruce J. Jones, assistant director of admission at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., says that he looks for sincere involvement that "doesn't smack of resume building" when evaluating applicants.

"Volunteer work or community service is looked on favorably, but a commitment that is made beyond what a school may require -- or made when there is no school requirement -- has more resonance than the once-in-my-high-school-career-mission-trip-to-Mexico," he says.

Other colleges place a very high value on community service and are specifically looking for compassionate individuals; they even offer service scholarships. David Wottle, dean of admissions and financial aid at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., says that Rhodes looks for applicants who are strongly committed to volunteerism; its Bonner Scholarship rewards such students.

"We're after the students who have gone beyond (what is required) and have incorporated community service into their personality," he says. "We can also see this in their essays or letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors."

However, volunteering can be a disingenuous endeavor for high school students who are not particularly passionate about any cause or organization. Some students do not want to spend a Saturday afternoon cleaning up a local creek or playing bingo at a retirement center, and many are too busy with athletics or academics to find time to cultivate an interest in their communities.

Cheryl Brown, director of undergraduate admissions at Binghamton University in New York, says that while Binghamton seeks students who will enhance the college through their commitment to others, "candidates for admission come in all sizes, shapes and levels of commitment."

"At Binghamton University," she adds, "we don't require volunteerism, nor do we handicap a student who has not done community service. We do look for candidates who will enrich our campus community, and this enrichment can take many forms. Some students have to work; others have leadership activities illustrated through different types of involvement: student government, Scouting, athletics, internships, music or religious activities."

Colleges that comprehensively review their applicants care about genuine, long-term commitments to volunteerism, and are sensitive to the fact that some students get involved only because they have been asked to.

Students, if you are interested in helping others, please realize that colleges will be reading between the lines -- as well as reading your essays -- to see that your level of commitment reflects your true interest.

COPYRIGHT 2008 JOANNE LEVY-PREWITT