<p>So this is what I would probably present for college applications in terms of ECs and volunteering (and yeah, I have some interest in pre-med, but it's not definite):</p>
<ul>
<li>Played in a youth orchestra for 3-4 years, and that includes freshman and sophomore years (according to my mom, this can also count as volunteering, as we've played concerts for the community and concerts for the elderly)</li>
<li>Taekwondo for 3 years (and continuing)</li>
<li>A leadership program for Taekwondo (where I assist/teach others)</li>
<li>A summer symphony at a nearby university (I'm one of the few high school students)</li>
</ul>
<p>And I'm planning to begin volunteering for a children's hopsital after my orientation and interview next month.</p>
<p>And yes, I've moved recently.</p>
<p>Along with urging from my dad, I found a volunteer program where I can tutor kids who don't live with their biological parents for the summer. My concerns include, well, I'm not that enthusiastic... But then again, who knows? But then again, this might end up being one of those "laundry list" things tossed in to impress colleges, right? My dad says it might show a theme, but... Then there's things like timing, transportation... </p>
<p>So should I do that tutoring program, or am I doing fine enough?</p>
<p>And yeah, I'm kind of looking up at colleges like UC Berkeley, Stanford, UPenn, MIT (those are the ones I have considered so far, and I obviously need to do more work on college searching...)</p>
<p>I know that this thread is very typical and pathetic. I'm sure that there are millions of threads like this. But I'm very pressed for time. I need opinions quickly...</p>
<p>Is your heart into it? If you really don't care about the program, then I recommend that you don't do it, but it might be a good experience anyway, just for personal growth.</p>
<p>What's pathetic is when people say, "Should I do this activity or not?" It's like, do it if you want to, and don't if you don't!</p>
<p>I doubt the youth orchestra counts as volunteer hours just because you played for retirement homes, etc...</p>
<p>It's a good activity, but it won't really make/break the status of your app. Just do it if you want to; if you don't think you could fit it in or would rather have free time, then don't do it. Simple.</p>
<p>You're fine, although it really seems like you're volunteering for the sake of volunteering. Btw, don't stress volunteering so much, it isn't going to be a deciding factor or anything significant unless you are really into it and show commitment/learning.</p>
<p>at the top schools like the ones you mention, they are looking for more than "participant". The strongest apps show leadership and achievement. Tacking on some hours this summer in volunteer work isn't going to stand out. Focus on the things you're already doing and try to take them to the next level. For example instead of just playing in concerts for the community & elderly, be involved is scheduling them, raising money to fund them, etc. As Stanford says in its FAQ
[quote]
In addition to academic excellence and intellectual vitality, we are interested in students who have made significant contributions to the life of their school or community. We do not favor one type of activity over another; nor is it necessary to participate in a large number of activities. An exceptional experience in one or two activities demonstrates your passion more than minimal participation in five or six clubs. We want to see the impact your participation has had on that club, in your school, or in the larger community. With extracurricular activities, a sustained depth of commitment is more important than a long list of clubs you have joined.