Making an Impact Through Community Service

your college consultant

In today’s college admissions landscape, it’s easy to feel like every activity needs to “stand out” on an application. Community service often gets caught in that mindset—reduced to hours tracked or boxes checked. At Find Your Fit College Consulting, we encourage students and families to look at service differently. Most colleges don’t require community service. What truly matters is the impact it has—both on others and on you.

High school is a time of growth, self-discovery, and increasing awareness of the world around you. As students begin to better understand different perspectives, they also start to look for connection, purpose, and belonging. Community service plays a meaningful role in that process. It’s not just about building a résumé—it’s about exploring who you are and how you want to contribute.

Research shows that helping others supports personal development in powerful ways. As students grow, so does their capacity for empathy, connection, and purpose. Psychologists often refer to this as a sense of “mattering”—the feeling that you are valued and that you have something meaningful to offer. This is a key part of overall well-being and confidence.

The most meaningful service begins with genuine interest. When students connect their passions to their efforts, their impact becomes more authentic and lasting. A student who enjoys art might bring creativity into a children’s hospital. Another might mentor younger students, organize a local initiative, or create opportunities for underserved communities. There is no single “right” path—what matters is that it feels meaningful to you.

If you’re not sure where to begin, we guide students to think through three simple lenses:
Initiative—Did you take action or step into a leadership role?
Impact—Did your efforts make a meaningful difference?
Insight—What did you learn, and how did it shape your perspective?

April Newletter

financial matters: how to appeal a financial aid award

Focus on majors: crops and soils science

When students hear “crop and soil science,” they often picture traditional farming. In reality, this major is far more dynamic and far-reaching than it may seem. It connects to industries like professional sports, environmental sustainability, space exploration, and even the food and beverages we rely on every day.

Consider professional sports. When millions tune in to watch the World Cup, the spotlight is on the athletes—but the playing surface itself is the result of years of research and innovation. At Michigan State University, more than 70 years of turfgrass research is helping shape the fields that will be used during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Careers in this field extend well beyond agriculture. Many professionals who manage turf for major stadiums, golf courses, and global sporting events studied turfgrass science in college. Programs such as the Center for Sports Surface Research at Penn State prepare students for these highly specialized and impactful roles.

As a major, crop and soil science blends biology, chemistry, and environmental science. Students explore subjects like plant physiology, soil fertility, plant genetics, crop production systems, and soil microbiology. They learn how nutrients move through soil, how plants respond to environmental stress, and how growing conditions influence both crops and turfgrass.

Hands-on learning is a key part of this field. Many programs include lab work, greenhouse studies, and research farm experiences where students analyze soil samples and observe plant growth in real-world settings.

For students interested in sustainability and environmental impact, this major offers meaningful opportunities. At the University of California, Davis, researchers developed UC Verde Buffalo Grass—a drought-tolerant turfgrass designed for hot, dry climates—demonstrating how this field contributes to solving real-world challenges.

Receiving college acceptances is an exciting milestone—but for many families, that excitement can be tempered by financial aid offers that don’t meet expectations. It’s common to review an award package and feel surprised by the Student Aid Index (SAI) or the overall cost. If this sounds familiar, it’s important to know there is still one more step you can take: submitting a financial aid appeal.

A financial aid appeal is a request for the college to reconsider your family’s financial situation and potentially adjust your award. While families are focused on making one student’s education affordable, financial aid offices are balancing limited resources across many students. They do want to help—but adjustments depend on available funding and individual circumstances.

The good news is that financial aid officers have what’s called professional judgment, which allows them to reassess awards when new or additional information is provided. In some cases, families do see changes to their financial aid packages after an appeal.

Before moving forward, take time to carefully review each financial aid offer your student has received. Focus on the net price—the total cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships that don’t need to be repaid. Be sure not to include loans or work-study, as those are not considered “free” aid. Comparing net prices across schools will give you a clearer understanding of affordability. For additional insight into how colleges meet financial need, resources like CollegeData.com can be helpful.

There are several situations where an appeal may be appropriate. A change in financial circumstances—such as job loss, reduced income, unexpected medical expenses, or a significant family event—can justify a review. In these cases, you’ll want to clearly explain what has changed and provide supporting documentation, such as employer statements, medical bills, or insurance records.

Another potential reason to appeal is if your student has received a stronger financial offer from a comparable institution. Colleges are more likely to reconsider aid when the competing school is similar in selectivity, resources, and financial aid approach. While not all colleges match offers, presenting a comparable award can sometimes prompt a second look—especially if your student’s academic profile is strong for that institution.

To begin the process, contact the financial aid office and ask about their specific appeal procedure. Some schools provide a formal form, while others request a written letter. In most cases, it’s perfectly appropriate for a parent or guardian to take the lead, as families are managing the financial details.

It’s also helpful to understand the difference between need-based aid and merit-based aid. Need-based aid is determined by the financial aid office using institutional formulas, while merit aid is often handled by admissions and may offer more flexibility—particularly if your student has received stronger merit awards elsewhere.

When writing your appeal, keep your tone respectful and your message clear. Address a specific financial aid representative if possible, express appreciation for the admission and initial offer, and explain your situation honestly. If there is a specific amount of additional support that would make attendance possible, it’s appropriate to include that.

If you’re unsure how to structure your appeal, tools like SwiftStudent offer free templates and sample letters tailored to a variety of financial situations.

Timing matters. Submit your appeal as soon as possible after receiving the financial aid package and well before the May 1 enrollment deadline. Financial aid funds are limited, and earlier requests are more likely to be considered.

While not every appeal results in additional aid, many families find it worthwhile to ask. Financial situations are nuanced, and applications don’t always capture the full picture. If a college feels like the right fit but the cost is a barrier, a thoughtful appeal is simply opening the door to a conversation—and in some cases, that conversation can make all the difference.

Dealing with college denial

College decision season is filled with anticipation. You log into your portal, open an email, and hope for good news. But when the message begins with “We regret to inform you…,” it can feel deeply disappointing—especially if it was a school you had your heart set on.

First, take a moment to pause. The college admissions landscape has become increasingly competitive. With more students applying to more schools than ever before, acceptance rates continue to decline. A denial is not a reflection of your worth—it’s often the result of limited space, institutional priorities, or factors outside of your control.

One of the hardest parts of this experience can be the added pressure of social media. It may seem like everyone around you is celebrating acceptances, making it easy to fall into the trap of comparison. But what you’re seeing is only part of the story. Students rarely share their disappointments, and comparing your full experience to someone else’s highlight reel can quickly shift your perspective in an unhelpful way. Stepping back from social media, even briefly, can give you space to process and reset.

It’s also important to understand how admissions decisions are made. Colleges are not simply evaluating who is “good enough.” They are building a class—balancing academic interests, institutional needs, geographic diversity, and more. A denial does not mean you weren’t qualified; it means the fit, in that moment, didn’t align.

Here’s something worth reflecting on: ask a few adults in your life when they were last asked where they went to college. Most will tell you it rarely comes up. Over time, what matters far more is how you show up—your work ethic, your character, your curiosity, and your willingness to take initiative.

Your college experience is what you make of it. Will you engage in your classes, seek out support, build relationships, and pursue opportunities? Will you challenge yourself, get involved, and explore new interests? These choices shape your future far more than the name of a school ever could.

There is no single path to success. While it may not feel this way right now, this moment is not the end of your story—it’s simply a redirection. The colleges that said yes to you see your potential. Trust that, and take the next step forward with intention and confidence.

To begin the process, contact the financial aid office and ask about their specific appeal procedure. Some schools provide a formal form, while others request a written letter. In most cases, it’s perfectly appropriate for a parent or guardian to take the lead, as families are managing the financial details.

It’s also helpful to understand the difference between need-based aid and merit-based aid. Need-based aid is determined by the financial aid office using institutional formulas, while merit aid is often handled by admissions and may offer more flexibility—particularly if your student has received stronger merit awards elsewhere.

When writing your appeal, keep your tone respectful and your message clear. Address a specific financial aid representative if possible, express appreciation for the admission and initial offer, and explain your situation honestly. If there is a specific amount of additional support that would make attendance possible, it’s appropriate to include that.

If you’re unsure how to structure your appeal, tools like SwiftStudent offer free templates and sample letters tailored to a variety of financial situations.

Timing matters. Submit your appeal as soon as possible after receiving the financial aid package and well before the May 1 enrollment deadline. Financial aid funds are limited, and earlier requests are more likely to be considered.

While not every appeal results in additional aid, many families find it worthwhile to ask. Financial situations are nuanced, and applications don’t always capture the full picture. If a college feels like the right fit but the cost is a barrier, a thoughtful appeal is simply opening the door to a conversation—and in some cases, that conversation can make all the difference.

Start by asking yourself: What interests you? What brings you energy? From there, consider how your strengths can serve others. Whether it’s writing, mentoring, organizing, or creating, every skill has the potential to make a difference.

There is no “best” type of community service. What matters is consistency, authenticity, and personal connection. When students engage in something that truly matters to them, they are more likely to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact.

While meaningful service can certainly help colleges better understand who you are, its greatest value goes far beyond the admissions process. It builds purpose, confidence, and direction—qualities that will support you not only in college, but in everything that follows.

Crop and soil science is a strong example of how a major can open doors to unexpected career paths. For students who enjoy science, problem-solving, and working toward sustainable solutions, this field offers both versatility and impact.