Hey everyone! I'm trying to plan my activities for next year and I'm wondering how much weight do colleges put on community service? Is it actually a requirement for some places? I want to make sure I'm not missing out but also want time for my other interests.
It's great that you're thoughtfully considering how to allocate your time for the upcoming year! Colleges do appreciate community service as it shows a commitment to helping others and contributing to your community. However, it is not strictly a requirement for most colleges, but rather one aspect of a well-rounded application. The key is not the quantity of community service hours, but the impact and personal growth experienced through the service. If you have other interests that you're deeply passionate about, pursue those too!
Colleges value depth in extracurricular activities and would prefer to see significant involvement in a few areas over a superficial participation in many. If you can demonstrate dedication, leadership, and initiative in your areas of interest, that will stand out. If you decide to engage in community service, make it meaningful - align it with your interests or let it be something that genuinely matters to you. That authenticity will shine through in your applications.
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