What are community-based organizations in college applications?

How important is it to include community-based organizations in my college application? Are they considered valuable to admissions officers, and should I mention every role I've had in them?

Community-based organizations (CBOs) can play a significant role in college applications, though the level of importance may vary depending on the specifics of your involvement and the college you're applying to. CBOs are often praised by admissions officers for their proactive approach in promoting academic success and advocating for underrepresented communities.

In terms of whether they are considered valuable by admissions officers - it depends. If you hold a leadership role, or if you've made significant contributions to the organization, then yes, absolutely! This could show that you have a strong sense of community involvement and the ability to make an impact, traits that colleges value highly. It also helps if your involvement aligns with your academic or professional goals, as this demonstrates consistency in your pursuits.

It isn't necessary to list every role you've held in these organizations. Instead, focus on those where you've had significant involvement or achieved notable outcomes. Similar to other extracurricular activities, quality is more important than quantity.

For example, if you've worked with a CBO to set up a scholarship fund for local high school students, that's a significant accomplishment that should be highlighted. On the other hand, if your involvement was limited to attending a few meetings, it may not be as meaningful to include.

Remember, it's not just about the title or the organization, but about your actions and their impact. Use your application and essays to detail your roles, accomplishments, and how you've grown from the experiences you've had with your community-based organization.