My freshman year, I volunteered at this rural development NGO in India, and it was a truly life-changing experience. I felt as though continuing on working with this nonprofit was my calling, and I have flung myself into it. I have made a blog chronicling my expiriences, I have started my own organization that works through the nonprofit, and I have gone back to India frequently to undertake various development projects and fundraisers. Now, I am even in the process of writing my own book about my expiriences, and I’m working on getting it published soon.
I’m a rising junior now, and I’m starting to think about college apps. I’m just wondering if my work volunteering and such would be considered a “spike” and whether or not it is considered “impressive” enough for top tier colleges? I worry that many students are doing similar things, and that I won’t stand out.
It’s a nice EC. It is not going to knock the admissions committees off their feet and get you a golden ticket, but I’m sure if you write a nice essay about it it will be well received.
Be careful with the cliché life changing trip essay, college admissions comms are going to read thousands of those and even though it might be a great story, it might not set you apart. The publishing of a book, however, is a great thing and will vastly improve your chances. I would stay away from that essay topic and try to find a more individual topic.
I think this is different than a two-week stint abroad. If you have a long-term commitment to a particular cause that you have supported in multiple ways, it rises above the level of the cliché life changing trip (complete with selfies). The blog, fundraising, and organizational work will set it apart from a casual encounter. The key will be how well you tell your story.
Good for you for trying to make a difference!
A nice EC but it won’t get you into a college you are not otherwise qualified to attend.