Should I Discuss National Service (NS) in My University Application?

06/12/2023•6 minute read

Thinking about sharing your National Service (NS) experience in your university application? You're not alone! In this blog, we'll help you figure out if it's a good idea. We'll break down the pros and cons so you can decide if your NS stories belong in your university application. Stick around, and let's make this decision a breeze!

Pros of discussing NS in my university application:

Leadership Showcase: Sharing NS experiences can highlight your leadership skills, especially if you took charge during training or projects. Have you ever found yourself taking command during those training sessions or emerging as the go-to person for crucial projects?

Global Perspective: Your NS stint might bring a fresh, global perspective to your application, showing that you've been part of something bigger than yourself.

Discipline and Time Management: Universities love candidates who can juggle responsibilities—NS is a perfect example of honing discipline and time management.

Adaptability and Problem Solving: NS equips you with adaptability and problem-solving skills. Being a quick-thinking superhero who can handle unexpected twists is a trait universities adore.

Cons of discussing NS in my university application:

Space Constraints: Universities often have limited space for application details. If your NS story isn't a game-changer, it might not be worth the real estate.

Risk of Misinterpretation: NS involves various activities, and some might be misunderstood. Consider whether your experiences align with the university's values and goals.

Overemphasis on NS: Going overboard on NS experiences might overshadow other crucial aspects of your application, making it less well-rounded. Balance is key!

Is bringing up NS a good idea for my university application?

Now that we've talked about the pros and cons of bringing up your NS adventures in your university application, let's dive into the real question: Should you spill the NS tea in your application? Well, it's a bit like a "maybe." Devoting two significant years to serving the nation makes listing it in your activities a potential idea. However, if you're inclined to delve deeper in your personal essays, that's something you can consider. Just be sure to ask yourself a few questions to help you figure out what feels right!

1. How much did you learn from NS?

When deciding to talk about NS in your uni application, consider the wealth of knowledge and skills you gained during this time. Reflect on the practical skills, leadership lessons, and personal growth that NS brought into your life. If these experiences align with the values and goals of the university you're applying to, they could be a valuable addition to your application.

However, if the learning experiences are not directly relevant to your academic or personal growth goals, it may be worth reconsidering their inclusion to avoid detracting from more pertinent aspects of your application.

2. What did you do in NS?

Detailing your specific roles and responsibilities during NS gives the admissions team a clearer picture of your experiences. Whether you were involved in community projects, held leadership roles, or contributed to a specialised team, providing concrete examples can make your application more vivid and engaging.

On the contrary, should your NS roles seem commonplace or lack a notable impact on personal growth, consider redirecting the focus. Share another aspect of your life that holds significance—a narrative that sheds light on your journey of personal growth, self-discovery, or the valuable lessons you've gleaned. This will provide admissions officers with a more comprehensive understanding of the transformative experiences that have shaped your character

3. How much and how did you grow?

Universities appreciate candidates who have demonstrated personal growth. Reflect on how NS has shaped you as an individual. Did you become more resilient, adaptable, or better at handling challenges? Illustrate this growth through specific instances and experiences that highlight your journey.

Critics may contend that not everyone experiences substantial personal growth during NS. If you find yourself aligning with this perspective, it's perfectly acceptable to choose not to delve into your NS experience.

4. What did NS mean to you?

Expressing the personal significance of NS in your life can add depth to your application. Share your perspective on how NS has contributed to your character, values, and aspirations. If there are meaningful connections between your NS experiences and your academic, career or personal goals, this can strengthen your narrative.

However, if such connections aren't immediately clear, you might want to reconsider its inclusion. Adding NS experiences purely for depth may dilute the impact of your application. It's essential to ensure that the significance you attribute to NS aligns seamlessly with the narrative you aim to communicate to the admissions team.

5. Are you able to convey your NS experience?

Consider your ability to articulate your NS experiences effectively. Can you translate the lessons learned and skills acquired into a narrative that resonates with the admissions team? Your storytelling ability plays a crucial role in making your NS experiences relatable and impactful.

Example: Craft your anecdotes in a way that brings your NS journey to life, allowing the admissions team to connect with your experiences on a personal level. For inspiration, consider reading a personal essay by a student who shared his NS experience and successfully secured admission to Northwestern University.

If you find it challenging to articulate the relevance of your NS experiences or if they may be easily misunderstood, it might be prudent to focus on aspects that are clearer and directly contribute to your application goals.