To Volunteer or Not to Volunteer? That is the Question (on the Common App)
Alright, you’ve got your grades, your SAT scores, your essays… but what about that section on the Common App that asks about your extracurricular activities? Is it worth adding your community service hours, or will it just make your application look like a giant pile of…well, let’s just say “good deeds”?
The answer is a resounding YES! But before you go bragging about the time you spent picking up dog poop at the local park (no judgment, it’s a noble cause!), let’s break down why community service is a big deal on college applications and how to make it work in your favor.
Why Community Service Matters More Than Your Mom’s Famous Cookies
Think of your Common App as a giant resume for college. It’s not just about your academic achievements; it’s about showcasing who you are as a person – a well-rounded, compassionate, and engaged individual. And guess what? College admissions officers are looking for more than just the top scores. They want to see that you’re not just a textbook-wielding robot, but someone who cares about the world around them.
Community service is your chance to shine! It shows:
- You’re a good person: Let’s be honest, everyone loves a good Samaritan. Volunteering demonstrates that you’re not just focused on yourself; you’re willing to give back and make a difference.
- You have valuable skills: Volunteering isn’t just about doing good deeds; it’s about developing skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. These are all things college admissions officers love to see.
- You’re passionate about something: Did you spend your weekends volunteering at a local animal shelter? Or maybe you helped build houses for the homeless? Your choice of volunteer work reveals your interests and what you’re passionate about.
- You’re a team player: Volunteering often involves working with others, which shows that you can collaborate effectively and contribute to a shared goal.
- You’re a go-getter: Volunteering takes initiative and dedication. It shows that you’re not afraid to step outside your comfort zone and make a positive impact.
Common App: Your Community Service Playground (But with a Few Rules)
Now, let’s talk about the Common App. This bad boy is where you’ll be showcasing your volunteer hours (and all your other extracurricular activities). Here’s the deal:
- Activity Type: When you’re entering your community service hours, you’ll select “Community Service (Volunteer)” from the drop-down menu.
- Be Honest: Don’t inflate your hours or exaggerate your contributions. Colleges do sometimes check references! Remember, honesty is the best policy, especially when it comes to college applications.
- Go Beyond the Basics: Instead of simply listing, “Volunteered at the animal shelter,” try to provide more context and detail. What specific tasks did you perform? What were your biggest accomplishments? How did your experience impact you personally?
- Quantify Your Impact: Numbers speak louder than words. Instead of saying, “I volunteered at the soup kitchen,” say, “I volunteered at the soup kitchen for 100 hours, serving meals to over 500 people.”
The Community Service “How To” Guide: A Step-by-Step Guide to Volunteering Success
- Find your Passion: Don’t just choose the first volunteer opportunity that pops up. Look for something that genuinely interests you. It’s way more fun (and fulfilling) to dedicate your time to something you care about.
- Get Involved: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Even if you don’t think you have any skills to offer, you’d be surprised at how much you can learn and grow through volunteering.
- Make it Meaningful: Don’t just “clock in” your hours and go home. Engage with the people you’re helping and make a genuine effort to make a difference.
- Document Your Journey: Keep a journal or log of your volunteer experiences. Note down the tasks you performed, the challenges you faced, and the rewards you experienced. This will be incredibly useful when writing your Common App activity descriptions.
- Showcase Your Skills: In your Common App activity descriptions, highlight the skills you’ve developed through volunteering. Did you improve your communication skills by interacting with clients? Did you learn to manage your time more effectively by coordinating volunteer events? Be specific and quantify your accomplishments.
The Bottom Line: Community Service is a Win-Win (For You and the World)
Don’t underestimate the power of community service. It’s not just a “nice thing to do”; it’s a powerful tool that can help you stand out from the crowd in the college admissions process. By dedicating your time to a cause you care about, you’re not only making a positive impact on the world, but you’re also building a strong application that will make you a more competitive candidate.
Ready to take your community service game to the next level? Join the JobLoving community (that’s us!) and connect with other students who are passionate about making a difference. We’ll provide you with resources, tips, and support to help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity and make a lasting impact.