<p>I'm new to the whole college admissions world. But recently it seems everyone I talk to at my HS thinks that community service is the most important thing in the world to get into a high-power (Ivy league) type school (not only the GC, but the students, and practically every college guide). My Guidance Counselor, when asked what elite schools look for in students, she said they look for much more than test scores, that they look for "well roundedness, you know, the community service hours, etc." Additionally, I see kids clammoring for community service hours, chomping at the bit to be part of Key Club and other community service organizations, just so they can rack up hours. </p>
<p>This is a new concept for me. All my life I was told that being a good student and getting great grades and test scores are the keys to getting into a good college. Now I'm being told the key is community service. You have to not only be a top-notch 4.5 GPA 2400 SAT student, but spend 40 hours a week serving your community, if you want to get into a selective college.</p>
<p>Is this true? Or is the real keyword here "Extracurricular Activity" and not "community service"? Is it just that Community service is a very popular extracurricular activity and so people use the words interchangably?</p>
<p>Let's say a student has very few community service hours. This student does some community service, but it is not his passion and he is not going to accumulate 1000+ hours like some people do. </p>
<p>Assuming this student is all in other ways qualified to attend an elite college (strong extracurricular pursuits and passions that show creativity, character, leadership, great academic profile, SATs, class rank, etc) will elite colleges reject this person SOLEY because they have, let's say, less than 50 hours of community service?</p>
<p>Please be frank with your replies. Thank you.</p>