Volunteerism Is Essential on College Applications

While college admissions officers focus heavily on students’ grades and SAT scores, they also take a careful look at their history of volunteerism. Colleges offer such a wide range of volunteer opportunities, both on and off campus, that they look favorably on applicants who will likely become actively engaged. 

The Department of Student Involvement at Rutgers University, for example, includes more than 450 student organizations. It offers students limitless opportunities to serve others, both nationally and internationally, through “Rutgers Alternative Breaks” service trips.

The College of New Jersey offers between 50 to 100 percent tuition scholarships to more than 80 students who make a substantial commitment to volunteerism by becoming Bonner Community Scholars.  These students choose to focus on a particular area of service and provide 300 hours of meaningful volunteerism over the course of a year, combining service with their academic experiences.

High school students should become involved, early on, in community service work and should ideally choose an area that coincides with their interests and potential college major. Students seeking a career in medicine should consider volunteering at a hospital or, even more impressive, becoming an EMT.  Students passionate about history could volunteer at a museum or, as in the case of one local student, join the cast of volunteers that recreate Revolutionary War battles and Washington Crossing the Delaware.

Athletes may want to coach younger players through their town’s recreation program, volunteer at a local YMCA, or get involved with Special Olympics which is headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ.

Students seeking to identify volunteer opportunities should visit DoSomething.org, one of the largest U.S. organizations helping teens get involved in causes they care about.  A recent study by the organization linked volunteerism with college acceptance, citing that admissions officers place a high value on a student’s long-term commitment to a cause or organization. Consistency is the priority, as colleges prefer students who support one cause over a period of time, demonstrating commitment and perseverance. 

Another source of volunteer opportunities is Zooniverse.org. This site offers countless options for students to work remotely, which has become even more appealing in light of the Covid pandemic.  Among its many unique projects is one that involves counting penguins in Antarctica by viewing aerial photos and time lapse cameras.  Another project is transposing handwritten documents from the 1800’s into texts.  

Admissions officers used to consider it a bonus to find community service work listed on a college application.  Now it’s an expectation, with extra points for demonstrated levels of commitment and initiative.   

Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review that, for the past 25 years, has offered PSAT/SAT® preparation and private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362