<p>My question is simple: if you have a legitimate internship at a University, in which you are actively programming applications for use by engineers, do you really need community service hours? I've heard many things about the necessity of volunteering, but I find spending time at summer camps supervising kids to be extremely boring. Would it negatively impact my college applications, then, if I were to skimp on community service (less than 40 hours)?</p>
<p>Depends on the colleges and the level you aim for.
In general, an internship and community service are two different animals. One shows your ability to pursue your own goals, take on responsibilities in that arena. The other shows your ability to roll up your sleeves and commit to do good for others, have some impact, even if it doesn’t further your own goals or interests. And no, easy volunteering, thigs that just rack up a few random hours or are really about hanging with friends, aren’t the substance that impresses.</p>
<p>"Would it negatively impact my college applications, then, if I were to skimp on community service (less than 40 hours)? "</p>
<p>It will not.</p>
<p>Contrary to popular belief, community service isn’t essential. It helps, and it’s a great thing to do, but your ECs can be strong without it. Plus, it’s not like you haven’t done any. It’s not a priority for you, and that’s fine.</p>
<p>I’ll agree not all colleges care that much about your volunteering And, not all kids can do it well. But, your application is all they have to go on, to get an idea of who you are, how you’ll fit. Try to remember that the top schools review holistically and what the competition will bring to the table. And, that adcoms are trying to build a good community, not just grab kids who’ll be classroom successes. You can’t summarily say that it doesn’t matter.</p>