Community Service and College

My daughter spends most of her free time participating in theater groups at school and in the community. She has even had lead roles in local productions. This doesn't leave her any time for involvement in community service. I hear that it is important for students to show some involvement in community service for admission to college.
Should she cut back on her theater activities to get involved in some community service? -- Wondering
Answer: So many factors play a role in being admitted to a college. Nevertheless, for most schools, the key factor is academics, namely grades and test scores. Admittedly, colleges do value community service. They also value involvement in athletics and other extracurricular activities. When colleges evaluate a candidate, they look at the entire person. Admissions officers will notice that your daughter's involvement in theater takes a lion's share of her time, leaving little time for other activities. Nowadays, schools -- especially selective schools -- are looking for lopsided candidates rather than ones who are well-rounded.
Half-hearted participation in a community-service activity is not going to send your daughter to the top of the line for admission to a college. Dedication to an activity is what counts. She should continue focusing on what she loves to do. For community service, she could try to get more local children involved in theater activities.