I really want to go to either Columbia, UChicago, northwestern, or Nyu (NYU Is at the top of my list to be honest). I have been volunteering at the local science museum since freshman year, and I just finished my junior year. I have accumulated about 600 hours, am on an exclusive executive volunteer committee, and have been nominated for their volunteer of the year award once. However, I’ve been doing some contemplation lately, and it just occurred to me how much I really hate going there. It’s always incredibly crowded and it feels more like herding cattle than helping people. I also am not that interested in science- I’m a big history/literature person. Recently, I’ve been filling out a job application for my local Barnes and Noble, where I’ve wanted to work for a very long time. Between that and working on college applications, I don’t think I’ll have to much time for the museum, but at the same time, I’m afraid if I stop it will look bad on college apps? Will it? I was a volunteer there for three years and did a lot. I just want to move on. Thanks!
No. The difference between 3 years and 4 years is negligible.
Is it your only EC? You don’t mention any others besides the potential job. If so, I’d make sure you have the job offer in hand before you quit. Switching out one activity for another is no big deal, IMO, but what happens if you don’t get the job? (May be out of your control – Petsmart never called me back about my app, and Panera finally touched base a month later to ask if could come in for another interview. Uh, no thanks, I needed that job a month ago.)
@bodangles no. I’m president and founder of my own literacy club at school, I’m in several other clubs, and I participate in speech, which I’ve attended both State and Nationals for. I also hiked in Colorado for several years in the past (accumulated about 400-500 miles and climbed a couple 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks). I’m a Girl Scout whose earned my silver award and about to start the gold. I also write a lot and have one two gold keys and one silver key in the Scholastic Writing Awards (only submitted three works). And I plan on applying for several jobs. I just want one that pays money.
If you get a job at B&N (or elsewhere) I’d say it is fine to swap a volunteer position for a paid job.
Another option is to see if there are different volunteering positions…maybe one away from the crowds.
But I agree…3 vs 4 years doesn’t make that much different. Make sure to emphasize your award and your “promotion” to the volunteer committee.