Volunteering -- what and how much?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi guys.</p>

<p>Academically, I love science. Outside of academics, I play badminton nationally.
And naturally I chose to volunteer at a science museum and coach a badminton class at my city's recreation program.</p>

<p>However, because badminton classes are seasonal, I don't get much in terms of number of volunteer hours. Also, the science museum is about a 20 minute drive so I can only go on weekends for about 2 to 3 hours at a time.</p>

<p>My mom is getting frustrated with me because she wants me to go volunteer at a hospital because it's close and I can get lots of hours from it. She says that "hospital volunteering" looks good and makes me look "kind and caring" on the college apps.</p>

<p>The truth is, I don't like going to hospitals, and I think picking up phones at a desk is not nearly as interesting as teaching kids to play a sport or learn about a subject that I love.</p>

<p>Both of my parents are getting very ****ed at me, and they think I'm ruining my chances at the Ivies. Their words: "you're fine academically. Don't you like biology? Why are you not at the hospital contributing to your community?" </p>

<p>I've calculated the hours I would expect to have by the time I apply to colleges. Hospital volunteering really gives me significantly more hours just because it's an easier, and closer place. (I would have ~100 hours if I coach badminton/volunteer at museum, is that enough?) I looked over people's stats on CC, and most who got into the schools I really want to go to (Stanford, MIT, etc.) did some sort of hospital volunteering....</p>

<p>What should I do? Listen to their advice or continue what I'm doing?</p>

2

<p>Best is to have your community service activities complement your ECs and academic strengths. The reasons you’ve given for volunteering at your science museum, and for coaching badminton at your local recreation center are compelling. They show genuine passion. If you can, do more of these.</p>

<p>Ultimately unless your volunteering is at high level (and by that I don’t mean “hours”) they won’t significantly improve your college chances. Select the activity because it’s something important to you. Don’t compromise academics for the sake of extra hours. Don’t merely sign up to rack up some hours.</p>

<p>So when does the depth of volunteering matter in college applications? It could, if you attain a leadership role AND have a regional/national recognized impact on the community with which you’re involved. Very few college applicants attain this depth of involvement.</p>