Will this look bad?

Applying to College
1

<p>This summer (summer before junior year) I really want to attend a field study program in Ecuador and the Galapagos. It complements my other extracurriculars so well, which are focused largely on environmental science, ecology, and conservation. Even my science research is focused on environmental science and evolutionary biology -- it's a passion of mine. </p>

<p>However the problem is the price, which is about $7000 for four weeks. After financial aid that the program gives, my family is able to pay for it, maybe with the help of a little fundraising. But I'm concerned on how this will look to colleges. Will it be useless in the terms of a college admission officer, because of the hefty price tag? Or will colleges look beyond that, and see that I'm simply following my passions? By no means is my family wealthy either, we're lower middle class and are in an income bracket that qualifies me for Questbridge. </p>

<p>This won't be my only summer activity either. I'll be juggling research and SAT prep as well. </p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Mention in one of you essays that you fundraised to help make up the financial aid gap. Shows an even higher level of passion for pursuing the opportunity! Maybe you could get a few local businesses to give you some items and you could hold a raffle? Whatever fundraising you do, make sure you are the one to do it (not your other family members).</p>

3

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<p>How will they know if you don’t tell them? I doubt they care enough to look it up.</p>

<p>Do you know how much it costs for private violin lessons for 10 years? And that is before you know if they are any good at it.</p>

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<p>That is what the essays are for - to talk about your passions. The trip may give you a lot to write about.</p>

4

<p>Thanks guys. Any more thoughts?
bump</p>

5

<p>I would make a point of explaining your fundraising as many people are aware of just how expensive it is to travel to the Galapagos. (I actually think $7K is a great price for that four week program.) I think colleges will look beyond the heavy price tag as long as you can do a good job of tying your experiences there back to your interests.</p>

6

<p>Colleges will not give that summer program any more weight than any other summer activity because they know it reflects the finances of the family more than anything else.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go if you can find a way to manage the finances though!!! It sounds like a wonderful experience that could have a lasting impact on you - such as your future major and career. Might also provide interesting stories for application essays. Don’t make yourself crazy over-analyzing what a college might think. Follow your interests, which it already sounds like you are doing.
Sounds like an opportunity I wish I had when I was in high school :-)</p>

7

<p>I would think that this is a great way of showing your passion, as long as this is not the only thing. Make sure that you show that your are into the environment and ecology through science fairs, clubs, job, etc. If you were to spend $7k on this trip and did nothing else to show off your passion than I would say no, don’t do it becasue it doesn’t show off your passion. It would only show that you bought a one time EC.</p>