There isn’t any set number of hours or type of service you need to do for your college applications. What will be most impressive to a college will be consistent, long-term service. Even better is if you are using your talents and/or fulfilling a clear need in your community.

What should high school students do in the summer? What if I need a break this summer? What if I need to work or take care of family members this summer? Should I pay for a pre-college summer program? Does it matter that the school offering the program is “elite?” How do I demonstrate my interest/experience in a particular academic subject?

Which High School Activities Really Matter for College Admissions? This blog covers a few common pitfalls I’d like to warn you against as you go through high school.

What “counts” for high school activities? What should I do now to prepare for college applications? Getting on the right path AND keeping track of what you do now will be a great help when you are applying to college in three years.

Knowing what your goals are and understanding what “counts” and what doesn’t are critical for helping your student prepare for college, and the clock starts on the first day of freshman year.