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College Admissions

“Voluntourism” vs. Real Impact: What Admissions Offices Actually Respect

December 1, 2025

Selfie of a group of students looking at the camera smiling.Selfie of a group of students looking at the camera smiling.
About The Author
Dr. Rachel Rubin is the co-founder of Spark Admissions and holds a doctorate from Harvard University, where she was a Presidential Scholar. A former university faculty member and high school teacher, she understands the needs of adolescents and excels in guiding them through the admissions process, from identifying best-fit colleges to refining application essays. A U.S. Presidential Scholar and member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Dr. Rubin has helped thousands of students gain acceptance to their top-choice schools.