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Hi :-)

I am now a high school sophomore. Since I was eight years old, I have been deeply committed to serving my community. This dedication to service has evolved into a passionate interest in early childhood education--particularly in special education of youngsters with disorders such as autism and PDD.

My service activities have been numerous and varied. Throughout the school year, I assist in a 1st grade class a couple periods a week. I have obtained an exemption from my high school's 3-season sports requirement so that I can dedicate the winter trimester to volunteering approximately 8-10 hours a week in an afterschool program. I have spent much of each of the past summers taking advantage of service opportunities within my community. This coming summer, I plan to spend about 100 hours volunteering at a specialized school for young children diagnosed with autism or similar disorders.

In addition to my direct involvement in service, I have worked to raise money, to promote service within my school, and to create opportunities for others. I have organized multiple social service projects for my class (including building with Habit and raking the lawns of seniors). I have been an active member of my school's chapter of the Make-A-Wish foundation. We try to support the work of the national Make-A-Wish organization by planning and holding various fundraisers. I am going to be co-chair of this committee next year. I am also active on the social service committee. I have earned recognition in my school for my service commitment.

The motivation for my service has come from my belief in volunteering and my love of it. Regardless of college apps, etc. I plan to continue serving as long as I live...

My questions is this: As I begin to think primitively about college (I am looking at ivies and other highly competitive schools), to what extent will this service record strenghten applications and how can I make my dedication to service stand out as service appears on more and more apps?

Thanks very much for taking the time to read this post and for any ideas.

Best wishes :-)

By Dadster on Saturday, May 25, 2002 - 10:07 am: Edit

Sounds like you are doing great work, Smiles - keep it up! Your strong record of community service will be help with admissions, if your stats are competitive. Here are a couple of ways to highlight your record of service:

1) Obviously, list the activities on the apps in the appropriate places, or attach a separate summary if there isn't enough space. You should probably plan to attach a separate sheet or resume anyway due to the number and depth of your activities. Many apps will ask how many hours per week are involved in different activities, by the way. (A detailed log isn't needed, just keep in mind that you'll have to estimate that number in the future.)

2) An adult leader from one of your significant activities might be an excellent recommendation writer, particularly if that person can describe your leadership, creativity, and/or dedication. Some colleges have a form for an extra (non-teacher, non-counselor) recommendation, others will consider such a letter if you include it with your application.

3) Some experience or personal discovery from your service activity might be a great essay topic.

4) Your counselor recommendation letter could mention your leadership in school-based service activities.

Good luck, Smiles - our schools need more students like you!

By Smiles on Saturday, May 25, 2002 - 06:13 pm: Edit

Thank for the advice, Dadster. I appreciate it...

I think I will take your suggestion about making sure that one of my recs comes from someone who is aware of my service activities. As for an essay topic, I certainly have learned much about the world and about myself from my service (particuarly through working with the special needs kids).

As for stats, I haven't taken many standardized tests yet, as I am only a sophomore, but I have a 790 on writing SAT II and a 740 on math IIC. I'm planning to do chem and Latin in June... I have around 4.0 something (our school doesn't do much with ranking)... I'm also involved in soccer and track, on student council, and one of the leaders of an effort to start a school newspaper in our school (its a small private school that does not have one)

Thanks again.

--Smiles. :-)

By Leigh on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 08:56 pm: Edit

Wow! We're a lot alike! I am currently working with autistic children as an applied behavior therapist. I am a sophomore in college (biology major) and have been doing this work for about six months. I love it! The children are absolutely wonderful and fascinating!!! If you ever want to "chat autism" or want any advice about college, you can message me on AOL at Leighbee xoxo... or you can e-mail me at betty2471boop@excite.com. Good luck girlie!
Smile and God Bless!