How important are Volunteer Hours?

[mikemac]

<p>

I know volunteer hours are important in the college admissions process

How do you know that? I’m sure all your friends are convinced that colleges select students that have shown how altruistic they are, but the funny thing is that when you look at what the colleges themselves say about ECs you won’t find that. Here’s what Stanford, for example, says about ECs in its app

Remember there are no right answers. No club or activity is more important than another, and no essay topic will ensure your admission. Be yourself, and complete this form carefully and honestly, as we expect you to complete your entire application.</p>

<p>We are more interested in the depth of your commitment and achievement than in the sheer quantity of your activities. An exceptional experience in one or two activities demonstrates your dedication more than minimal participation in five or six clubs. We want to see the impact your participation has had on that club or organization, in your school, or in the larger community.</p>

<p>Merely being involved in many clubs is not what is most important; your depth of commitment in whatever you do interests us the most.

The question about impressive ECs comes up regularly on the forum. There is a thread with comments by Northstarmom, a Ivy alum interviewer, about what constitutes impressive ECs from the point of view of the most selective colleges in the HYPS category. Again, no mention of volunteer hours per se. You might want to take a look, even though the colleges you mention are not as selective as those. The post is at <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>2 very interesting articles about ECs that stand out and how to get them (same author, different examples) are at [How</a> to Be Impressive](<a href=“http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/05/28/the-art-of-activity-innovation-how-to-be-impressive-without-an-impressive-amount-of-work/]How”>The Art of Activity Innovation: How to Be Impressive Without an Impressive Amount of Work - Cal Newport) and [Save</a> This Grind?](<a href=“http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/09/12/case-study-how-could-we-save-this-ridiculously-overloaded-grind/]Save”>Case Study: How Could We Save This Ridiculously Overloaded Grind? - Cal Newport) While I don’t agree with everything in them, take a look at these 2 articles and I think you’ll get some original ideas.</p>