How many hours of community service would one need to consider it a hook? I know it depends on what the community service is and what schools they are looking at, but in general, what do you think? 500 hours?
<p>If one is looking at top colleges --HPYS etc. -- the hours that one does of community service isn't usually a hook. What counts is what one accomplished by doing community service.</p>
<p>Staring a community service program that really did something (wasn't just resume dressing) such as creating and coordinating a project that raised money for charity -- activities like these are what can make applicants stand out. Doing hours and hours of random community service isn't really impressive when it comes to top colleges.</p>
<p>ok how about not top 10 colleges but more in the 30-50 range. im talking about 1 specific community service project but not necessarily leading it or anything. for example someone that works in a hospital for community service for ___ hours or works for an engineering or law firm or something for ___ hours. that can be a hook, right?</p>
<p>a hook is usually something you emphasize through your application and essay correct?</p>
<p>if you can show in the essay how communtiy service has impacted your life and changed your ideals without coming across as cheesy and common than yes it can be a hook at a 30-50 school, especially if they are seeking service-minded students. </p>
<p>you don't want to say i volunteered at the hospital because ever since i was little i wanted to help people < -- cheesy and probably too common.</p>
<p>basically, get across why you decided to do community service asides from the hours and your life-long desire to help others.</p>
<p>as northstarmom, hours is made up by quality</p>
<p>That would not be a hook. The only community service activity that would be a hook is something you founded and ran that made a significant impact on the people served, ususally judged by the amount of media coverage you received.</p>
<p>"ususally judged by the amount of media coverage you received.
"</p>
<p>Not necessarily. Could be judged by the amount of money raised, numbers of people who participated, impact on the people or person who benefited, etc. Recommendation letters as well as the student's essay and interview also contribute to how adcoms assess the activity.</p>
<p>What is considered adequate amount of cs so youdon't fall behind those who have prepared for years?</p>
<p>There is no "adequate amount of community service" that's necessary.</p>
<p>Having community service is not necessary for admission to an elite college. Having at least one very strong EC is virtually necessary for admission to an elite college.</p>
<p>If you're not interested in community service, do something that does interest you.</p>
<p>opps i meant EC.</p>
<p>Along with what Northstarmom said, community service is a great way to spend your time, but pick something that you will be sincere about doing. Community service for any reason is a great help, but it's definitely much better if you don't take on a big project simply because you know it will look good on an application.</p>
<p>I was joking about amount of media coverage. However, ususally if you have made real impact or raised a lot of money, someone will write about it.</p>