By Camille Lyon Posted December 16, 2009
As seniors are applying for college, they are trying to recall all of the community service they have ever performed in their high school careers. This seems to be the key to getting into those “big name” colleges. Voluntary community service is considered what makes you a good student.
I would like to question this theory. Is it really community service that determines my success within a university? I like to think I would be the same person without all of the community service hours I have compiled over my high school years. I feel secure in my future knowing I did a fair amount of volunteer work, but I know there are students who are academically qualified who may have never completed even one hour of community service.
Community service does not make anyone any more qualified for college. Universities are just hoping volunteer work will shape aspiring students into well-rounded people.
There are multiple websites that aid college-bound students in finding community service. Websites such as dosomething.org allow teens to become involved in certain activities or charitable organizations. This website’s motive is to involve teens in activities that utilize their energy and turn it into positive action. I am sure that most of the teens involved in this program are enjoying the good work they are doing but they also know it is getting them one step closer to an acceptance letter from a college.
Many argue that the time spent on community service is more valuable than the money earned. According to 25 of the top 50 colleges in America, 37.5% ranked community service as fourth in order of importance for valued requirements for college acceptance (http://www.dosomething.org/survey).
Even though community service may seem like something you don’t want to do. Colleges do prefer it. It may be beneficial to someone who wants to be accepted into a top university, but keep in mind the genuine feelings of community service. Make sure your community service is true and not obligated.
