<p>I know a lot of you have experience in this area, so: where do you volunteer? I'm thinking of starting at a hospital but am not entirely sure how to get started - who do you contact and what exactly do you do once you start? How much influence does it have on apps?</p>
<p>i volunteer with AYSO as a referee/assistant coach for 3-5 yr olds/buddy to teach mentally disabled kids soccer. if you want to volunteer at a hospital, i guess you contact them and ask? i dont know. volunteering has a considerable influence on apps, although not the biggest. i know that i want to use some of my experience in volunteering for my college essay or something :) because volunteering can help you build character that you could use in your essay.</p>
<p>Finally finishing apps, I think the biggest thing I've learned about volunteer work is that it looks pretty measly beside many other awards and extracurricular activities. On many of my forms I left it out completely. </p>
<p>So many people have hospital volunteer experience that its almost depressing, lol. </p>
<p>Don't feel pressed to do community service because you "have to." It can easily take up hundred of hours, but on paper, what's the difference between 200 and 300 hrs right? </p>
<p>I'd suggest you simply ask classmates about opportunities. They know the most about the ones in your area and can easily refer you. Often, there are also involved staff (teachers and others) who can offer you plenty of volunteer programs. I know that there are plenty of school-hosted and group volunteer activities out there that are often parties more than they are community service. </p>
<p>If its not your thing, don't stress. It's not a requirement and it's not for everyone. Some colleges have a section for work experience/community service, but many others simply ask you for your activities and hobbies. Community service is just a fill in for another grid for most people, in terms of college apps.</p>
<p>Personally, I have not done much (sub 100 hrs), but I can tell you that the experiences have been infinitely rewarding. None of them were done with college apps in mind. If you have specific questions feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>Take care.</p>
<p>One good place to look, is your local city/town/county government. In the summer between 8th and 9th grade, I got a volunteer job with my local police department. I've been working there for two years now ( I'm a soph.) Some of the jobs you can get through your local gov't can be really awesome. For example, the job i have with my local PD is great. I'm helping them write a book about the department's history. Even some of the not as interesting jobs can be great. I also had a volunteer internship during the summer between 9th and 10th grade in my local courthouse. While my main job was filing paperwork, make copies, updating court files and running paperwork from courtroom to courtrrom, the benefits were great. By benefits I mean connections. I could get the head clerk of my city's courthouse, chief judge of the court, or the manager of the civil division to write a reccomendation letter. </p>
<p>Depending on you personally, another definite place to look would be your local church/synagogue/mosque. </p>
<p>Last but not least, check with your HS guidance office. It took me freshman year to learn it, but I did. The guidance office is your friend, use it. The guidance counselors can probably direct you to a good place.</p>
<p>Some great websites to check out are:
<a href="http://www.volunteermatch.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.volunteermatch.org/</a>
<a href="http://www.volunteersolutions.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.volunteersolutions.org/</a></p>
<p>I volunteer at hospital in my town. I sit at the main desk in the lobby and give people information, answer phones, deliver flowers, that sort of thing. It's enjoyable. It makes me feel good after knowing that I helped someone else out.</p>
<p>If your interested in volunteering at a hospital, call and see if they have a volunteer services department. Mine does, that's how I got started. Or what about your school? Do you have a college and career advisor? At my school, she is in charge of volunteer oportunities and can give you a list of what is available to do. Or ask friends. Many of them have good ideas.</p>
<p>Wow, definitely helpful. Thanks guys.</p>
<p>i tutor kids at a local elementary school..just see what kinds of opportunities your school can offer for u</p>
<p>I, too, volunteer at a local elementary school. The proximity helps.</p>
<p>You can always find volunteer opportunities wherever you go. Just look around and find something you're interested in.</p>