<p>I am taking a gap year to learn some life skills and do some volunteering. I’m doing the volunteering because I really want to, NOT because I want to lengthen my list of EC’s. However, many have said it may look like it, and that it might weigh me down.</p>
<p>Is it possible that some colleges might think I’m just doing heavy volunteer work because I want to put significant hours in my EC’s? I don’t know if I should include my volunteering in my app.</p>
<p>Thank you for your insight.</p>
<p>The usual way to take a gap year is to first get accepted as a senior and then formally request one from your school.</p>
<p>Those who take gap years because they didn’t like their initial results seldom fare any better the second time around at the same schools or others of similar selectivity. Your results may vary if you are already firmly establish in an activity and have reached the jumping-off point where your contribution will soon become significant and distinctive.</p>
<p>No top school will care about your volunteer efforts if you’re just logging hours. You also need to show focus, initiative and leadership.</p>
<p>I signed up for 9 hours a week for a year or more. I’m pretty serious about it; and I think it will be significant over time (i’m guessing I’ll reach around 100 hours). </p>
<p>I just don’t know whether I should put this in my common application. Is it significant enough?</p>
<p>You’re seriously overthinking this. You’re fine about the voluntarism.</p>
<p>Yeah, I probably am. Thanks for the replies.</p>