Volunteer Work Importance for College Applications

It’s no secret that the college application process has grown increasingly demanding in recent years. While expecting high GPA’s and SAT scores from their applicants, colleges are seeking so much more.

 

Admission officers are scrutinizing college applications to determine how potential students would be an asset to their campus.  What talents and skills would they bring? How would they help make the campus a more impressive and vibrant community?

 

Successful applicants highlight their volunteer work, demonstrating a commitment to one or more activities over a lengthy period of time.  Ideally, students should become involved in volunteer work that coincides with their interests, as colleges are impressed with students who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to a cause or organization that is important to them.

Those seeking to enter the medical field may want to volunteer at a hospital or become an EMT. They can also engage in research projects through Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program.

 

Students interested in history may want to volunteer at a museum or be part of the cast for reenactments of the Revolutionary War and Washington Crossing the Delaware.

 

Students pursuing a field related to environmental studies can fundraise to support the installation of refillable water bottle stations around their school, reducing the number of single-use plastic bottles disposed of by their classmates.

 

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

 

Students finding it difficult to identify volunteer opportunities should go to DoSomething.org – one of the largest organizations helping teens get involved in something they care about.  Another site is JerseyCares.org, which includes an online calendar of volunteer opportunities in New Jersey happening every single day.

 

Zooniverse.org offers countless opportunities for students to volunteer remotely, which has become very appealing in the aftermath of Covid. There are projects for every field of interest. One project involves identifying antibiotic resistant bacteria to develop faster tests for detecting infections.  Another project is labeling trees to accelerate nature restoration.

Colleges want to attract an accomplished, diverse group of students who have all contributed in some way and are most likely going to continue being active volunteers during their college days.

 

There are colleges, such as The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), that provide up to full tuition scholarships to students committed to volunteer work.

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT^® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362.