Listing Volunteer Hours

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hey guys. I'm a senior in high school so, here's the deal: I don't really have any volunteer hours yet (I know, but believe me I've kept busy with a job and school work, etc). Anyway, I'm going to be volunteering once a week in my third grade teacher's classroom (my brother has her this year and she said she'd love to have some help). I only have one morning class on Tuesdays and will probably not be on my work schedule, meaning I'll have the whole day to be there and "clock" hours. On my applications, can I list a rough estimate of how many volunteer hours I'll have by the time the school year is over? Thanks!</p>

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<p>That does not seem appropriate to me. I think you would list the commitment you are making, and the dates should make it clear that you are starting now.</p>

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<p>I agree that your application should make clear this work is not something you have already accomplished. It’s fine to say these are planned hours for this year.</p>

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<p>There are many myths about college admissions common among HS students. One prevalent one regards volunteer work. Supposedly colleges will pick a student that shows community spirit thru volunteer work over a student with similar grades who selfishly refused to help others.</p>

<p>Truth is most colleges don’t consider ECs at all or give them a cursory glance. Depending on what schools the OP is applying to this may very well be the case. One can tell by looking at which box is checked regarding ECs on the Common Data Set for that school. Nor do colleges demand volunteer work as an EC. Pretty much any activity is as good as any other.</p>

<p>Lastly, for the schools that DO care about ECs, say the most selective 100-200 in the country, mere volunteer work is nowhere near the standard of what they look for. So whether the OP lists the hours planned as already done or pads the hours, it won’t make a difference. They want to see leadership and/or accomplishment. </p>

<p>The question about impressive EC’s comes up regularly on the forum. There is a thread with several posts by Northstarmom, a Ivy alum interviewer, about what constitutes impressive ECs from the point of view of the most selective colleges. The post is at <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>As you will see from that link, at the most selective colleges they are looking for depth more than just participation. Stanford, for example, says

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