Nonprofits help in college admissions?

Parents Forum
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I have seen a bunch of talk about students having or planning a nonprofit. In many cases, it seems like this is part of their effort to gain admission to the top ranked schools.

The question is: Does it even help? Or do most admissions officers roll their eyes when they read about 15-17 year olds starting nonprofits. Also, isn’t it mostly a rich people thing?

PS. I do know high schoolers who have done great work helping people and had original ideas. Some of them did set up a nonprofit once the work got bigger than a few high schoolers. But that is rare.

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Without getting into semantics on the definition of non-profit and 501(c)(3), starting a non-profit for the purpose of assisting people long after you’ve left HS is great. Starting one just to say you did? Not so impressive. AO’s can tell the difference.

As with any EC, it’s what you contributed and how it developed you are more important than the job title.

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My opinion…starting non-profits now…is like going on a mission trip in past years.

I think these non-profits are getting way over done…and unless truly sustainable long after you are gone, really don’t have admissions impact.

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I think (and hope) that schools can see through these attempts to impress them --which have very little to do with actually helping people. On the other hand, a young lady from our town started a non-profit helping homeless kids in 6/7th grade - she continued through HS and is still running (and expanding) it in college (and the college she attends is not an elite one).

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Agreed. There are a handful of student-led nonprofits which receive corporate or municipal support in the form of grants, or which otherwise have a substantial proven community impact which can be quantified. Other than those, just starting a nonprofit isnt much help in admissions.

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I know a kid that started 2 non-profits. Got rejected from every ivy. But he had stellar stats and got into a very prestigious school. Full pay, no aid needed. I personally would not do it or advise anyone to do it. YMMV.

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I don’t think it’s necessary. Also, is a kid starting a nonprofit just to impress college admissions officers or is he/she doing because he is passionate about a cause?