Volunteering in High School—Education Consultant Answers the Question on Whether Admissions Boards Really Care

Florida education consultant Mandee Heller Adler of International College Counselors weighs in on how high school students can impress a college with their volunteer hours.

Miami, Fla (PRWEB) March 26, 2015

Summer is coming fast and now is a good time for high school students to start thinking about volunteering. Although grades and test scores are what colleges look at first, volunteer work is important because it shows a college that a student is compassionate, involved, and well-rounded. Community service is also said to be growing importance among admissions officers. A 2011 survey conducted by DoSomething.org ranked it number four in importance of factors considered for admission, above reference letters, interviews, and legacy.

"To really impress admissions officers, students need to show dedication to a cause," said independent education consultant Mandee Heller Adler, CEO of International College Counselors.

Rising to a position of leadership is also important. Wanting a significant role in an organization shows that the student cares and that their colleagues trust them enough to either elect them or promote them to such a position.

Tips and Tactics for Volunteering

• Start as a freshman or sophomore. The more time a student dedicates to community service, the better it looks on college applications.
• Find activities within the volunteer work to demonstrate organizational, leadership, and teamwork skills. Find community service opportunities that build on these skills.
• Find something that aligns with a potential chosen major. Colleges like to see volunteer work that aligns with a student's major. This will also make the work both more enjoyable and interesting. And if a student does not find it to be enjoyable and interesting, it may be a sign that a student may want to look at other majors.
• Ask around for excellent volunteering opportunities. Counselors, family members, and community leaders may have good ideas for a student on what they can do for their neighborhood.
• Commit to a few activities over time. Colleges are looking for quality, not quantity. Sticking with a few causes demonstrates commitment and interest.
• Consider starting a charity or volunteer project.
• Do not just seek to join an already established volunteering project, be proactive to identify a need, and fulfill it.

Showcase Community Service Projects in the Best Way Possible

Students need to make sure they position their volunteer activities to their greatest advantage.

The right match of volunteer work can help a student meet new friends, get involved in the community, learn new skills, explore careers, expand their network, and give them an advantage on their college application.

• Show WHY a particular issue was chosen, WHAT goals were trying to be achieved and describe HOW those goals were achieved.
• Have a long list of causes? Consider dedicating one essay to explaining how all those issues actually fit together under one larger theme like "poverty" or "human rights."
• Get personal and focus on how the student changed as a result of their experience(s), rather than just outlining what was done, how many hours, etc. For example, did a student experience a change in world view as a result of their community service.
• Use specific language that can be more effective: Words like "commitment," "leadership," "initiative," and "passion" should be used instead of "required," "mandatory" and "brief." Also good words: "engaged," "meaningful" and "transform."

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE COUNSELORS:

The college advisors at International College Counselors help students from all over the world find, apply to, and gain acceptance into the college of their dreams. The expert educational consultants at International College Counselors are dedicated to helping students and their families successfully navigate the college application process.

For more information on International College Counselors or to contact an expert educational consultant, please visit http://www.internationalcollegecounselors.com or call 954 414-9986.

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