<p>Hi, I'm an international student from Israel although I have dual-citizenship for the US as well. English is my first language so college essays and stuff for the applications are not the problem in my case. In Israel, high schools don't have any clubs or extracurricular things you can join (honestly, not at all). I know that for the top schools in the states it is absolutely essential to have some, but how would my case be considered? What I do have are volunteer hours and volunteering in the summers, in hospitals in india and mongolia. but that is extremely minimal compared to what is needed so what should I do?
The other thing is that in israel there is a two year (for girls)mandatory military service after high school, meaning I can't really bring recommendation letters from high school when they're two years old,can I?</p>
<p>For the latter bit about high school, you may apply during the last year of your high school and indicate your request for a deferment. It's really common for Singapore guys to do that, as they have military service.</p>
<p>I think they evaluate international applications differently--they know that other countries are less extra-cirricular focused. That being said, it's still helpful to have them, but if you don't, there isn't excactly much you can do about it.</p>
<p>Volunteer hours count as Extra-cirriculars by the way. An acticity doens't need to be affiliated with school to count. Helping out in hospitals is by no means minimal, so I think you're actually ok on that front. </p>
<p>I think old rec. letters are ok, especially since IDF service is mandatory. You should contact the schools you are looking at directly to find out. </p>
<p>Which schools are you applying to? (some schools weight these things differently).</p>
<p>If SAF national service is accepted as grounds for deferment for most US colleges, I'm pretty sure it is for the IDF too. Just make a supplementary note explaining your situation, stating you can only matriculate in whichever particular year.</p>
<p>meaning I should apply during high school? instead of after completing my military service?</p>
<p>Both are possible, karenoona. </p>
<p>But please check with the university you plan to apply to, some won't allow you to defer.</p>
<p>PS. Are you from Haifa by any chance?</p>