<p>Don't assume that adcoms are dumb (or that they don't get the NY Times in Ithaca or Hanover or Evanston). My kid wrote an essay on how to get frylotor grease out of a fast food uniform. It was hilarious and seems to have done the trick.</p>
<p>My kids have met students from across the economic spectrum at college; some of whom did expensive programs and teen tours in HS, some of whom worked in a family business or cleaning fast food restaurants (my kid). I don't think adcom's punish kids from modest means as long as the application is honest and distinctive. And anyway..... since when do colleges require community service for admissions? It seems to me that's a local concoction from the same people who eliminated the academic honor role.... gotta make it easy for the B and C students to get recognized too, you know....</p>