<p>I'm a junior now, and in my first two years of high school I've done some random community service hours (maybe 30-40) for the school requirement, student council, and a community service club at school (not something I consider a major EC, just something I do with my friends). Now I'm realizing that lots of community service seems to be common on applications. While I know that a bunch of hours alone doesn't really make you "stand out," is it expected in the same sense that people say you need a decent SAT score for consideration although it won't get you in all on its own? Basically, although doing more community service in my junior year would look like it was just done to get into college, is it still something I should do to meet a certain standard? I found a nonprofit looking for volunteers than I'm honestly interested in, but it'll be hard to fit it into my schedule and mean less hours at my paid job (I'm saving for a school trip). I'd rather get involved with it over the summer or something. I doubt it's unique enough or anything to be a major help in getting into college--but my question is, will not doing it all year, and not having lots of hours at application time, keep me out? Sorry if just asking this question makes me shallow--it's not like I wouldn't like to do more community service or don't think it's important, but scheduling wise, I'm already committed to a bunch of other things this year. Any advice?</p>
<p>I don't think there's really any standard that must be met for community service. I think it's really like, ooh that's great that you did it, but they're not going to think any less of you if you don't do anything. Granted, doing a mission in Ghana or something of that magnitude might be more noticeable, but overall very few people I'm going to assume actually get any praise for their work. So really I would just tell you not to get overworked if this something lacking in your application, plus it's definitely not worth doing if the only thing you plan to gain from is some sort of advantage in the college admissions process. So yeah, just have fun with the rest of high school and good luck with everything.</p>