Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and College Admissions

So I've been pretty active in my community all through high school, and I'm wondering if that involvement might benefit me when applying to colleges. Are there any CBOs in particular colleges seem to look for in applicants? What's the most important thing to showcase with this?

First up, kudos to you for involving yourself in community work-- it's a great indicator of your engagement as a citizen and potentially, a college student and an alumnus. While there isn't usually a particular Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that colleges favor, demonstrating impactful involvement in any community service organization can speak volumes about your character, leadership abilities, and commitment to civic engagement.

When it comes to showcasing this involvement, here are some quick tips:

1. Focus on Impact: Don't just list out the organizations you belonged to and the roles you held. Also, describe the impact your involvement had on those communities and how it affected your personal growth. For instance, if you organized a neighborhood clean-up initiative, talk about the difference it made to the environment and residents, and the lessons you learned about leadership and teamwork.

2. Longevity and Consistency: If you've been involved in a specific organization for a long period, highlight this. Colleges often value longevity and consistency over a laundry list of briefly-held positions. Demonstrating a deeper, long-term commitment to a few organizations shows dedication and may be perceived better than minor involvement in a large number.

3. Showcase Your "Spike": If your community involvement aligns with your academic or career goals, then this could be your "spike" or differentiator. For instance, if you are interested in studying political science and you're heavily involved in community organizing or local politics, that's a compelling connection to highlight.

4. Quantify Achievements: If possible, try to quantify your achievements to give colleges a clearer picture of your impact. If you raised funds, provide a total. If you recruited volunteers, give them a number. Providing tangible evidence of the results of your efforts can be persuasive.

Remember, though, that every college looks for something a spot different in its applicants. So, it's wise to research each school's culture and values as you compile your applications. Good luck with your applications!