Volunteering abroad

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi guys. This summer I plan on doing a volunteering abroad trip in Ghana. Yes, it's one of those programs that takes you as long as you can pay. It's $4,499 for three weeks, not including the flight cost. The program, however, provides decent financial aid and whatever they don't pay for I can probably cover with fundraising and some savings I have from a job last summer. </p>

<p>When applying to college, I don't want it to seem like my parents paid for me to go to Ghana, which they didn't. How can I convey to college admission officers that I raised money for the trip on my own?? Should I indicate it on the "additional info" section on the common app when I apply?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>You can put it there, or list this activity under the EC section. You get a line to explain what the EC is, so you explain it there. The ghana trip could also be something you write about for the 1000 character EC paragraph on Common App. Plenty of room there.</p>

3

<p>It’s fine to briefly describe this in Addl Info. But, it’s good to be sure this is balanced by local vol work. Some commitments over time in yor own community, as well, where you took on responsibilities, had some impact.</p>