11 answers
Alexis
Student
Maple Valley, Washington
2
Questions
Asked
1610 views
How do I show that I'm dedicated to my volunteer work and not just doing it to "look good"?
I'm a freshmen in high school and have been doing a lot of volunteer work specifically with senior citizens and helping elementary students with reading/writing. I'm honestly passionate about this and think it would be good on a resume/application but everything I see/hear says that colleges don't care much about stuff like that because they believe your only doing it to look good. How do I show I'm actually dedicated to helping my community?
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11 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Alexis !
It is fabulous that you are doing volunteer work right now and the help you are giving to children and older people will make an impact and is excellent experience for you. The truth is, no one is looking at you thinking that you're doing it just for points, so I wouldn't give it a second thought. They see you helping and it's all a good impression that you're making.
All colleges are different. To have something substantial to say about any volunteer work you may have done is a good thing but not the primary thing considered with colleges admissions. It's great to have it because it reflects initiative, being active in your community and having some interactive skills to bring to college. Some colleges want to see this and some look at other things, so it depends on the actual college - it can't be generalized. Volunteer work gives you life experience which you'd need for the years ahead.
You can include volunteer work on a resume but remember to have it under a heading separate from Work Experience. Make a heading for your resume especially for all of the volunteer work you have done and indicate clearly that it was unpaid volunteer work. It will add to your applications when you apply for employment in the beginning.
The things colleges look at initially are your grades from high school, your high school GPA and your score on the SAT exam, so those are very important. If they see that you've done volunteer work, that's a plus. It's all going to depend on the specific colleges you apply to. If you have any question about any colleges' admissions requirements, you can go to their websites and read all that is needed for an admission application. Most colleges also want an Essay as part of the admissions application. It may be that you can draw on your experiences doing volunteer work to write the essay depending on what the essay question is.
So be assured, volunteer work is valuable for many reasons and college admissions application screeners are not seeing volunteer work as something the student did "to look good". There are many students that do word it on here as "where can I do volunteer work so I can look good to colleges". It's more like some students misunderstand the purpose of volunteer work, not the colleges. You're doing the right thing.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Continue with volunteering throughout your high school years.
It is fabulous that you are doing volunteer work right now and the help you are giving to children and older people will make an impact and is excellent experience for you. The truth is, no one is looking at you thinking that you're doing it just for points, so I wouldn't give it a second thought. They see you helping and it's all a good impression that you're making.
All colleges are different. To have something substantial to say about any volunteer work you may have done is a good thing but not the primary thing considered with colleges admissions. It's great to have it because it reflects initiative, being active in your community and having some interactive skills to bring to college. Some colleges want to see this and some look at other things, so it depends on the actual college - it can't be generalized. Volunteer work gives you life experience which you'd need for the years ahead.
You can include volunteer work on a resume but remember to have it under a heading separate from Work Experience. Make a heading for your resume especially for all of the volunteer work you have done and indicate clearly that it was unpaid volunteer work. It will add to your applications when you apply for employment in the beginning.
The things colleges look at initially are your grades from high school, your high school GPA and your score on the SAT exam, so those are very important. If they see that you've done volunteer work, that's a plus. It's all going to depend on the specific colleges you apply to. If you have any question about any colleges' admissions requirements, you can go to their websites and read all that is needed for an admission application. Most colleges also want an Essay as part of the admissions application. It may be that you can draw on your experiences doing volunteer work to write the essay depending on what the essay question is.
So be assured, volunteer work is valuable for many reasons and college admissions application screeners are not seeing volunteer work as something the student did "to look good". There are many students that do word it on here as "where can I do volunteer work so I can look good to colleges". It's more like some students misunderstand the purpose of volunteer work, not the colleges. You're doing the right thing.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Continue with volunteering throughout your high school years.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Alexis. The key is not just what you do, but how you talk about it and how consistently you show up. Colleges do care about volunteer work, but they care even more about why you do it and what you’ve learned from it.
To show that you're truly committed, focus on the impact of your work, not just the hours you've spent. For example, instead of just saying "I volunteered at a senior center," talk about a specific moment or relationship that meant something to you, maybe a senior you regularly help, or a story about how your visits make their day better.
Also, stick with it. One of the strongest signs of real dedication is consistency over time. If you keep volunteering at the same places for the next few years and take on more responsibility, like organizing activities or helping train new volunteers, that shows you care deeply, not just that you're trying to build a resume.
Finally, reflect on what you've learned. Colleges want to know how these experiences have shaped your thinking and goals. Did working with seniors teach you patience? Did helping kids inspire you to become a teacher or leader? Share those insights honestly.
To show that you're truly committed, focus on the impact of your work, not just the hours you've spent. For example, instead of just saying "I volunteered at a senior center," talk about a specific moment or relationship that meant something to you, maybe a senior you regularly help, or a story about how your visits make their day better.
Also, stick with it. One of the strongest signs of real dedication is consistency over time. If you keep volunteering at the same places for the next few years and take on more responsibility, like organizing activities or helping train new volunteers, that shows you care deeply, not just that you're trying to build a resume.
Finally, reflect on what you've learned. Colleges want to know how these experiences have shaped your thinking and goals. Did working with seniors teach you patience? Did helping kids inspire you to become a teacher or leader? Share those insights honestly.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Alexis,
It is great to hear that you are trying to make sure that you show that you are passionate about your volunteer work to the schools you are applying to. It is great to mention that you genuinely enjoy what you do and can go towards who you are as a person and student. It would specially be important to mention if your choice of major is similar to your volunteer work. There are a few ways you can go about mentioning your passion for your volunteer work. This is something you can write about within your college application essay. You can explain your passion for it and what skills you have learned and how it has added to you as a person and student. You can also do this within your resume, specially if you have a specific or important position within your volunteer work. Be sure to share your experience and why it is so important to you. You can also try seeking a larger role within your volunteer work.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are trying to make sure that you show that you are passionate about your volunteer work to the schools you are applying to. It is great to mention that you genuinely enjoy what you do and can go towards who you are as a person and student. It would specially be important to mention if your choice of major is similar to your volunteer work. There are a few ways you can go about mentioning your passion for your volunteer work. This is something you can write about within your college application essay. You can explain your passion for it and what skills you have learned and how it has added to you as a person and student. You can also do this within your resume, specially if you have a specific or important position within your volunteer work. Be sure to share your experience and why it is so important to you. You can also try seeking a larger role within your volunteer work.
Best of luck on your journey!
Marissa Sowden
Business Operations
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Marissa’s Answer
Hi Alexis! If a college application asks you to answer some sort of prompt or write about something as part of your application, you could write about your experience volunteering and the impact it has had on you. Be genuine! Perhaps by providing this extra context, it will let the school admissions team know that you’re truly passionate about volunteering.
I also think that you may not need to worry about them thinking you’re volunteering only to look good. What matters most is that you’re volunteering in the first place and making a difference in the world!
I also think that you may not need to worry about them thinking you’re volunteering only to look good. What matters most is that you’re volunteering in the first place and making a difference in the world!
tech conference
22
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
tech’s Answer
Hello! Being involved in community activities at work or school shows your passion and dedication. Your volunteering efforts are noticed and appreciated. When you apply to college, your community service can help you get scholarships or grants. After college, many companies value people who give back. No matter what career you choose, being active in the community shows kindness and humility, qualities that employers love. In interviews, be yourself and let your unique qualities shine. Keep helping others, as your kindness will always be rewarding. I've been active in community service since college, and it has always helped me stand out.
Best of luck to you!
Best of luck to you!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
833
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Letters of recommendation can go a long way. If someone takes time to share their observations and your passion while volunteering, that can help set you apart. Yes, volunteering may be self serving, but sharing why you are doing it could also help.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Alexis
Meighan Middleton
Former College Advisor and Admissions Professional/Surface Warfare Officer
42
Answers
Newport, Rhode Island
Updated
Meighan’s Answer
Alexis,
Great answers so far by many of the other professionals here. The one thing I would add is find a cause you are passionate about and "cluster" your volunteer work around that cause.
For example, if you are passionate about animal welfare and think you may want to be a veterinarian one day, volunteer at your local vet's office and an animal shelter.
If you think you may want to be a teacher, think about volunteering at an after school care program or Sunday school, where you will work with kids.
Showing a theme to your community service and how it connects with your long terms goals helps college admissions professionals get a sense of who you are, what is important to you, and what drives you.
-Meighan
Great answers so far by many of the other professionals here. The one thing I would add is find a cause you are passionate about and "cluster" your volunteer work around that cause.
For example, if you are passionate about animal welfare and think you may want to be a veterinarian one day, volunteer at your local vet's office and an animal shelter.
If you think you may want to be a teacher, think about volunteering at an after school care program or Sunday school, where you will work with kids.
Showing a theme to your community service and how it connects with your long terms goals helps college admissions professionals get a sense of who you are, what is important to you, and what drives you.
-Meighan
Malini Pai
Internal Audit
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Malini’s Answer
It's fantastic that you're excited about volunteering and truly want to make a difference. That's what counts! Sometimes colleges worry that students volunteer just to enhance their applications, but what really matters is how you show your commitment and what you've learned. Here are some tips to help you do that:
Think about your impact: When discussing your volunteer work, focus on what you've learned and how it has changed you, rather than just listing activities. For instance, mention how you built relationships with seniors or helped a student improve their reading skills.
Stay committed: Colleges value dedication, so try to volunteer regularly instead of just participating in a few events. Being involved over a long period shows true commitment.
Show initiative: If possible, start or lead a project related to your volunteering. This shows leadership and passion beyond just attending.
Get recommendations: Ask supervisors or those you've helped if they can write a letter or provide a quote about your impact. This kind of feedback shows you're serious.
Be genuine: When talking about your volunteer work in essays or interviews, be honest about why you do it and what it means to you. Being genuine is more impressive than anything else.
Keep doing what you love and making a difference. That's the best way to stand out and show colleges who you really are.
Think about your impact: When discussing your volunteer work, focus on what you've learned and how it has changed you, rather than just listing activities. For instance, mention how you built relationships with seniors or helped a student improve their reading skills.
Stay committed: Colleges value dedication, so try to volunteer regularly instead of just participating in a few events. Being involved over a long period shows true commitment.
Show initiative: If possible, start or lead a project related to your volunteering. This shows leadership and passion beyond just attending.
Get recommendations: Ask supervisors or those you've helped if they can write a letter or provide a quote about your impact. This kind of feedback shows you're serious.
Be genuine: When talking about your volunteer work in essays or interviews, be honest about why you do it and what it means to you. Being genuine is more impressive than anything else.
Keep doing what you love and making a difference. That's the best way to stand out and show colleges who you really are.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1831
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Alexis,
Please start now to save every note, every card, every email, every thank you that you receive, every performance appraisal. . . from Anyone!! Throw them all in a folder, and just save them.
When I was between jobs, I had such a folder. I was able to extract sentences from each note, compile them onto a single page (2- or 3- column format) and submit it with applications. If the application didn't allow for such extra documents, I made it the second page of my resume, and submitted it as one document.
The beauty of this is it created a situation where other people were saying how "great" I was. And it covered different things - customer service, team-work, organizational skills, etc. "what started out as a very bad day was turned around by the kindness shown to me by Kim." "As a supervisor, I appreciate having an employee who I know can be called on to do any task assigned, without supervision." "I have been to this office many times. My meeting with Kim was the first time anyone treated me as a person, rather than a number."
With each comment, I list the person's name, title, and date. Unless the person is a private individual/client, then I just list their initials. This is a way of showing I understand Privacy Laws!
When I started attaching this with my resume is when I started getting calls for jobs. It truly works!!
While this really isn't something you need to be worried about, it DOES help to start saving these positive notes!
Kim
Please start now to save every note, every card, every email, every thank you that you receive, every performance appraisal. . . from Anyone!! Throw them all in a folder, and just save them.
When I was between jobs, I had such a folder. I was able to extract sentences from each note, compile them onto a single page (2- or 3- column format) and submit it with applications. If the application didn't allow for such extra documents, I made it the second page of my resume, and submitted it as one document.
The beauty of this is it created a situation where other people were saying how "great" I was. And it covered different things - customer service, team-work, organizational skills, etc. "what started out as a very bad day was turned around by the kindness shown to me by Kim." "As a supervisor, I appreciate having an employee who I know can be called on to do any task assigned, without supervision." "I have been to this office many times. My meeting with Kim was the first time anyone treated me as a person, rather than a number."
With each comment, I list the person's name, title, and date. Unless the person is a private individual/client, then I just list their initials. This is a way of showing I understand Privacy Laws!
When I started attaching this with my resume is when I started getting calls for jobs. It truly works!!
While this really isn't something you need to be worried about, it DOES help to start saving these positive notes!
Kim
Thanks for the advice.
Alexis
Thanks for the advice.
Alexis
You're welcome! Hoping for the best for you!
Kim Igleheart
Alena Presley
Nurse Case Manager
1
Answer
Plano, Texas
Updated
Alena’s Answer
Hi Alexis,
It's wonderful that you enjoy volunteering in your community. This experience is valuable for college and job applications. It shows your responsibility, passion for helping others, and strong communication skills. Consider speaking with a school advisor to connect your volunteer work with your college interests. This can help pave the way for internships and your career. Remember, your volunteer experience can also be a great asset during job or internship interviews, especially if you lack work experience.
Wishing you the best of luck!
It's wonderful that you enjoy volunteering in your community. This experience is valuable for college and job applications. It shows your responsibility, passion for helping others, and strong communication skills. Consider speaking with a school advisor to connect your volunteer work with your college interests. This can help pave the way for internships and your career. Remember, your volunteer experience can also be a great asset during job or internship interviews, especially if you lack work experience.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Katherine Phillips
Office support
3
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hello!
I'm so glad to hear you're passionate about helping people. Showing long term volunteering, and specific causes can help to provide confirmation about your passion. You are taking steps to help people! That's wonderful!
Work with organizations that are close to your goals. Continue to volunteer if that's what you're passionate about, and when it's time to apply, you can speak to what you have taken from these opportunities.
I'm so glad to hear you're passionate about helping people. Showing long term volunteering, and specific causes can help to provide confirmation about your passion. You are taking steps to help people! That's wonderful!
Work with organizations that are close to your goals. Continue to volunteer if that's what you're passionate about, and when it's time to apply, you can speak to what you have taken from these opportunities.