Category Archives: Community Service

To get to Harvard, go to Haiti?

Posted on September 24, 2016 by Valerie Deutsch

Essays about expensive “service trips” to exotic countries seldom impress colleges. “In the case of drive-by charity work, the checked box can actually be counterproductive, because application readers see right through it. ‘The running joke in admissions is the mission … Continue reading →

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End the community service sham

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Valerie Deutsch

You don’t have to volunteer in Costa Rica to get into college! “Local community service show[s] you understand charity begins at home, and that’s not a bad lesson to embrace. … [I]f you make it to senior year with 450 … Continue reading →

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Value of Local Service

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Valerie Deutsch

“Do colleges want students who engage in community service? You bet. People who show they’re willing to make a difference in the community are a great asset to any college. Will they care if it’s overseas? Not at all….local community … Continue reading →

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Community Service

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Valerie Deutsch

DoSomething.org surveyed admissions counselors at many selective colleges and universities about the value of community service in the college admission’s process and they share their findings here. Bottom Line: “Social change isn’t something you should do just to help pad a … Continue reading →

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Entrepreneurial Community Service

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Valerie Deutsch

Students experiencing difficulty linking up with more established volunteer organizations may want to take an entrepreneurial approach to serving their communities this summer. With a little creativity, teens can show initiative and hone their leadership skills—qualities that can help young adults … Continue reading →

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