How to write a college application essay about community service?

I'm working on my college application essay and want to focus on my community service work. Any tips on how to highlight its impact and my personal growth? Should I focus more on a specific experience or a range of projects?

When writing an essay about community service, the goal is to showcase your engagement, commitment, and the ways it has shaped your character and outlook. Here's a strategy on how to convey this:

1. Choose your Story: Start by selecting a community service experience you are passionate about. It's best to focus on a specific project or a distinct experience that left a profound impact on you. Reflecting deeply on one experience can delve deeper into your persona and your motivations, which is better than just skimming over several experiences.

2. Recount the Experience: Describe the nature of the community service effort, your role in it, and the specifics involved. Remember to show, not tell. For instance, don’t just say, “I taught underprivileged children.” Instead, give examples of lesson plans you created, games you played, or moments that demonstrated the impact of your teaching.

3. Highlight Impact and Growth: Discuss how the experience impacted you personally and how it allowed you to grow. Did it change your perspective on privilege? Did it reinforce a personal value, or perhaps challenge one? This part is crucial, as it allows your reader to understand how you've grown as a person through your service.

4. Demonstrate the Change: Show how your involvement with community service has changed the way you think, act, or perceive the world. For example, did this experience inspire you to pursue social work, influence your major choice, or continue volunteering?

5. The Greater Picture: Finally, you can discuss how this specific service experience aligns with your long-term goals, professional aspirations, or how it could translate to your prospective college community. How do you plan to continue your involvement in community service in college and beyond?

Remember to be personal and honest while discussing your experiences. This can provide a glimpse into your personality, commitment to social causes, ability to reflect, and growth potential—which are all things admission counselors love to see. Good luck with your application!