Extra-curriculars in US

Applying to College
1

<p>I am an older non-US citizen living in US who wants to apply to professional grad schools. I understand that many undergrad applicants' ECs are similar in nature to other programs at schools. I would like to know from informed and knowledgeable individuals here a few things about extra-curriculars/"soft" activities in American admission system. </p>

<p>I want to build my ECs in my areas of interest well for future school applications. </p>

<p>I looked at volunteermatch but that has mostly entry-level volunteer positions and not many with the ones that are internationally known.</p>

<p>1) What is a good way to find out about EC opportunities?
2) How does one work to get to a EC position that is leadership oriented?
3) how do well known places fill these positions (e.g. united way)?
4) How does one obtain official recognition for the volunteer/EC work? (certificate for hours volunteered)
5) Is there any record or letter stating an official designation in small nonprofits? </p>

<p>(I am scheduled to interview with a small nonprofit next week who I got in touch with through volunteermatch and not sure if asking for such official records is seen out of ordinary).</p>

2

<p>Extra-curricular activities do not matter for all types of graduate and professional programs. If the programs that you are interested in do expect that, it is not unusual for the volunteer site to provide a letter of reference at the time of application. It is perfectly OK for you to ask the volunteer coordinator or someone who works on the project with you to write a letter for you.</p>

<p>Once you know what it is you will be applying to study, you may find better help in the Grad School Forum. Go to the main page where all of the forums are listed, and scroll down to find it.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>