<p>Hi Guys!
My names Isaiah, and this is my first post on College Confidential. I've been reading all the information on here for weeks, and it's been extremely helpful! </p>
<p>My question is regarding community service. I'm currently a sophomore at a community college studying business marketing. I'm very involved at my school: Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa, Student Ambassador, Student Government, President of the Economics Club, International Club, Math club, and also have an on campus job. However, I would like to begin doing some community service so that I will be able to put it on my application when I transfer. I was wondering if there are certain places to volunteer, that may look better then others? For instance, should I volunteer at a local hospital - or at a local library? Should I work with a group to pick up trash along a highway, or play piano at a nursing home? Please let me know if any community service looks better then others in the eyes of universities, or if certain volunteer work is better for business majors. </p>
<p>Dependent on the type of 4 year college you’re targeting, community service and ECs may not be evaluated whatsoever – only transcript. That’s the first question you should answer.</p>
<p>Secondly, maybe you should consider NOT doing things because they “appear” better to others. Maybe you should do something that you inherently value – rather than finding one that is a mercenary vehicle for you to propel yourself to the next stage. Sheesh.</p>
<p>Thanks T26E4!
I have a about 5 schools that I plan on applying to. I know that some of them do not evaluate EC’s or Community Service, but I believe some of them do. </p>
<p>I totally understand your point. I already do some community service, such as playing piano for different nursing homes in the area, and volunteering for a local second hand store that benefits a homeless shelter. However, yes, I am looking for other opportunities that may impress universities - And I am not ashamed of that whatsoever. If a place can benefit from hours of volunteer work, and I can benefit from it by showing that I am willing to help, then what is the problem? Just because I don’t ‘inherently value’ certain volunteer work, doesn’t mean that it can’t benefit others.</p>
<p>Please keep in mind that people who choose to do community service, generally do it out of their hearts because they want to make a difference in their community, whether it’s for a religious community, a school community, a community in your town, etc. I don’t think you can put a value on one community service over another. It should be the same value. The purpose is to help change lives for the better. In doing so, you’ll also have the opportunity to open doors for yourself, you’ll get to meet people otherwise you might not have, which can lead to other benefits, such as future job opportunities, etc. So it’s a win win situation.</p>