<p>Hey everyone,</p>
<p>I am a high school junior, and like everyone else, I'm starting to think about college. I have good grades and test scores, go to a very good prep school, and am taking several APs this year. I would love to go to a school like Bowdoin, Williams, Colgate, Middlebury, etc., but from what I can tell you need some sort of "hook" to get into many of these schools in addition to good grades and test scores.
One of the things that I have been considering is participating in a community service abroad program. The program includes about a hundred hours of community service, and it looks like an amazing experience. This is something that I am very interested in doing (not just to look good for college). However, I have been told by several people that programs like this that cost thousands of dollars tend to look like you are "buying credentials". I would not in any way be able to afford one of these programs without financial aid, scholorships, and working all summer to save up money. Does it still give off a "just another spoiled rich kid" vibe to colleges?
I desperately need opinions on this subject. Will programs like this help me get into college? Could they actually hurt my chances? Have any of you participated in programs like this? Do you know of a better way to get a similar experience?</p>
<p>Sorry for the long post...I am new to the forum, new to the whole college deal and stressed out about the whole thing!!!!
Thank you in advance :3</p>