14 answers
Ruby
Student
Cudahy, CA
1
Question
Updated
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What should I do in high school that colleges will like I am not athletic and I come from a low income family. Also, how many community service hours are ideal for colleges? (I am a highschool freshman.) (My dream jobs are to be a pediatrician or neurosurgeon.)
What should I do in high school that colleges will like? I am not athletic and I come from a low income family. Also, how many community service hours are ideal for colleges? (I am a highschool freshman.) (My dream jobs are to be a pediatrician or neurosurgeon.)
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13 answers
Yashasvi Raikwar
Marketing Coordinator
11
Answers
Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Updated
Yashasvi’s Answer
You don’t need to be athletic to stand out. Focus on strong grades, curiosity and staying consistent. Get involved in things you genuinely enjoy like science clubs, hospital volunteering or tutoring kids.
When it comes to community service there’s no “perfect” number of hours. Colleges care more about impact and consistency than totals. Tools like BigFuture by College Board can help you explore careers, find scholarships and plan your high school path so your experiences line up with your goals.
You got this! 💛
When it comes to community service there’s no “perfect” number of hours. Colleges care more about impact and consistency than totals. Tools like BigFuture by College Board can help you explore careers, find scholarships and plan your high school path so your experiences line up with your goals.
You got this! 💛
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
You are asking the perfect questions early and that is already a huge advantage. Colleges care more about how you show curiosity, commitment, and impact than whether you are athletic or come from a certain income background. Being a freshman, the key is to start building habits and experiences that align with your long-term goals like medicine while also showing that you are engaged and responsible.
Since you want to be a pediatrician or neurosurgeon, focus on experiences that show you enjoy science, helping people, and learning beyond the classroom. Join science clubs, math or biology competitions, or programs like STEM summer camps. Volunteer or shadow in hospitals, clinics, or even nursing homes, anywhere you can interact with patients and observe healthcare in action. Even tutoring younger kids or helping at community centers counts because it shows you care about supporting others. Leadership does not have to be a team captain. It can be starting a small project, organizing a study group, or leading a club activity.
About community service hours, there is no strict ideal number. Colleges are more impressed by consistency and depth than a huge total. Doing a few hours a week over multiple years is much stronger than cramming hundreds of hours in one summer. Even 50 to 100 hours spread across high school, if you are consistent and take on responsibilities, will look great. The most important thing is that your activities show dedication, initiative, and connection to your interests, especially if they relate to helping others or science. If you start building these habits now, you will be in a strong position by the time college applications roll around.
Since you want to be a pediatrician or neurosurgeon, focus on experiences that show you enjoy science, helping people, and learning beyond the classroom. Join science clubs, math or biology competitions, or programs like STEM summer camps. Volunteer or shadow in hospitals, clinics, or even nursing homes, anywhere you can interact with patients and observe healthcare in action. Even tutoring younger kids or helping at community centers counts because it shows you care about supporting others. Leadership does not have to be a team captain. It can be starting a small project, organizing a study group, or leading a club activity.
About community service hours, there is no strict ideal number. Colleges are more impressed by consistency and depth than a huge total. Doing a few hours a week over multiple years is much stronger than cramming hundreds of hours in one summer. Even 50 to 100 hours spread across high school, if you are consistent and take on responsibilities, will look great. The most important thing is that your activities show dedication, initiative, and connection to your interests, especially if they relate to helping others or science. If you start building these habits now, you will be in a strong position by the time college applications roll around.
Elizabeth Brown
Lifeguard
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hello there Ruby!!
As a first generation college student and a Hispanic white woman now pursuing a career in pediatric nursing, I want you to know that colleges look at *who you are*, not just what resources you had. You do not need to be athletic or wealthy to be a strong applicant.
Focus on doing well academically and taking challenging classes when you can, especially science and math. Get involved in things that genuinely interest you, even if they are small or school based. Clubs, volunteering, part time jobs, family responsibilities, and caregiving all count. Quality and consistency matter more than doing everything.
For community service, there is no magic number. Many students have anywhere from 50 to 200 hours, but what matters most is *why* you volunteered and what you learned. If medicine interests you, consider volunteering with children, hospitals, clinics, libraries, or community programs.
Most importantly, tell your story. Being from a low income background and navigating school as a first gen student builds resilience, empathy, and grit. Those are qualities colleges and future patients deeply value.
You've got this!!
Volunteer- For an organization that you LOVE- Doesn't need to be directly related to medicine
Keep your grades up as high as you can! This is not the only thing that schools look at (I had a 3.85 in high school) but it is important!
Take some fun and challenging courses - whatever interests you
Discuss with a college advisor or your high school equivalent- they are a wealth of knowledge!
As a first generation college student and a Hispanic white woman now pursuing a career in pediatric nursing, I want you to know that colleges look at *who you are*, not just what resources you had. You do not need to be athletic or wealthy to be a strong applicant.
Focus on doing well academically and taking challenging classes when you can, especially science and math. Get involved in things that genuinely interest you, even if they are small or school based. Clubs, volunteering, part time jobs, family responsibilities, and caregiving all count. Quality and consistency matter more than doing everything.
For community service, there is no magic number. Many students have anywhere from 50 to 200 hours, but what matters most is *why* you volunteered and what you learned. If medicine interests you, consider volunteering with children, hospitals, clinics, libraries, or community programs.
Most importantly, tell your story. Being from a low income background and navigating school as a first gen student builds resilience, empathy, and grit. Those are qualities colleges and future patients deeply value.
You've got this!!
Elizabeth recommends the following next steps:
Hi Elizabeth, I think this is great advice, but I wanted to let you know that I had to remove the line about messaging you directly, as that goes against our community guidelines.
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Armando de Jesús Herrera
Sr. Project Engineer
41
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Armando de Jesús’s Answer
Hi Ruby:
What colleges really look for is curiosity, consistency, and commitment. As a freshman, the most important thing is to focus on strong academics and build good study habits, especially in science and math.
Getting involved in activities that match your interests can make a big difference, such as joining science club, debate, or any STEM‑related group your school offers.
Volunteering is also a great way to stand out, and it doesn’t have to be fancy, it can be something like helping at a hospital, clinic, nursing home, library, daycare, or tutoring younger students all show responsibility and compassion. There’s no perfect number of community service hours, but most strong applicants end up with somewhere between 50 and 200 hours over four years; what matters more is doing something consistently rather than trying to collect hours quickly.
Colleges also value real‑life responsibilities, so part‑time jobs, babysitting, or helping your family are all meaningful experiences, especially for low‑income students. If you stay focused, challenge yourself academically, and choose activities that genuinely interest you, you’ll build a strong foundation for a future in medicine.
You can also consider studying outside the United States. Countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, and Spain offer free or low‑cost bachelor’s programs, and many of them provide scholarships specifically for international students. This can be an excellent pathway if you’re looking for high‑quality education at a more affordable cost.
What colleges really look for is curiosity, consistency, and commitment. As a freshman, the most important thing is to focus on strong academics and build good study habits, especially in science and math.
Getting involved in activities that match your interests can make a big difference, such as joining science club, debate, or any STEM‑related group your school offers.
Volunteering is also a great way to stand out, and it doesn’t have to be fancy, it can be something like helping at a hospital, clinic, nursing home, library, daycare, or tutoring younger students all show responsibility and compassion. There’s no perfect number of community service hours, but most strong applicants end up with somewhere between 50 and 200 hours over four years; what matters more is doing something consistently rather than trying to collect hours quickly.
Colleges also value real‑life responsibilities, so part‑time jobs, babysitting, or helping your family are all meaningful experiences, especially for low‑income students. If you stay focused, challenge yourself academically, and choose activities that genuinely interest you, you’ll build a strong foundation for a future in medicine.
You can also consider studying outside the United States. Countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, and Spain offer free or low‑cost bachelor’s programs, and many of them provide scholarships specifically for international students. This can be an excellent pathway if you’re looking for high‑quality education at a more affordable cost.
Carolyn Bee
Revenue Operations
9
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Carolyn’s Answer
Hi Ruby - that is so great you already have a sense of the type of career that interests you. I wouldn't focus too much on a certain number of volunteering hours that you have to hit, but try to start by finding some opportunities that will give you some experience adjacent to those fields. Maybe you could look for opportunities at hospitals or treatment centers as an idea.
Colleges also like seeing well rounded individuals so I encourage you to think about the types of activities/groups that excite you and seek them out.
I also grew up in a low income family and one thing that really helped me was maintaining good grades during high school. I was able to find a lot of scholarships to apply for that helped lessen the burden when I went to college. At school you should have some counselors and resources that help you find these opportunities but I was very active in searching out those opportunities and applying for them. One thing to also remember is that you can still apply for scholarships once you're in college. I remember a lot of people really focused on applying their senior year of high school and then that stopped once they entered college. I continued to look for them when I started university and was able to find additional ones to apply for!
Colleges also like seeing well rounded individuals so I encourage you to think about the types of activities/groups that excite you and seek them out.
I also grew up in a low income family and one thing that really helped me was maintaining good grades during high school. I was able to find a lot of scholarships to apply for that helped lessen the burden when I went to college. At school you should have some counselors and resources that help you find these opportunities but I was very active in searching out those opportunities and applying for them. One thing to also remember is that you can still apply for scholarships once you're in college. I remember a lot of people really focused on applying their senior year of high school and then that stopped once they entered college. I continued to look for them when I started university and was able to find additional ones to apply for!
Lauren Rossi
Lead Culture and Experience for PwC offices
3
Answers
Lake Orion, Michigan
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi- great question! I would suggest any type of work experience you can get. Any volunteering, working at a local diner (customer service skills are key in any field) all will make you marketing able. This shows you can juggle multiple priorities, task all at one time.
Any local club in school is great and trying to stand out or go deeper in something vs trying to join as many different organizations as possible. Choose something and try to make an impact in it. Same thing with a job choose a job and try to stick with it. Hope this helps!
Any local club in school is great and trying to stand out or go deeper in something vs trying to join as many different organizations as possible. Choose something and try to make an impact in it. Same thing with a job choose a job and try to stick with it. Hope this helps!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
828
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
There are so many things that you can do! Join a couple afterschool clubs for volunteer in your community. There might even be a local health clinic that you can volunteer at. This could help give you some practical experience for your future ambitions. I always tell my kids to hyper focus on their grades because school is their job. I also came from a low income family, and it was not always easy, but it is possible.
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
93
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It is so impressive that you are already thinking about your future as a doctor while you are only a freshman, and you should know right now that not being an athlete won't hold you back from those dreams. Since you're interested in medicine, colleges will love to see you lean into your curiosity for science by joining a related club or even just spending time volunteering at a local clinic or nursing home if you can get there. You don't need a specific number of community service hours to impress admissions officers because they care way more about the heart you put into what you're doing than just a total on a spreadsheet; it's better to show up consistently for one thing you care about than to jump around just to rack up hours. Focus on keeping your grades up in your science classes and find ways to help people in your own community, and you'll be building exactly the kind of profile that medical programs look for. You have such a bright path ahead of you and the world definitely needs more dedicated doctors like you're going to be. Good luck.
Azilee Billy
Disasters
18
Answers
Sumter, South Carolina
Updated
Azilee’s Answer
First thing I need you to realize is that your family income or status does not limit you. In high school you should now have a vision of what you may want as a career. Focus on taking courses that lead you in that direction. I know that friends will be important to you at this age but your education must be the priority. If you study hard and ace those grades, you will be eligible for scholarships to help you with college. When you choose your college courses. Stay focused, stay focused, stay focused. The higher your GPA, the bigger your success. I know that you will do well because you are already concerned about your future. I am sure that you will be a leader in your career path. Always know that you are enough and you set your own boundaries to success. Now go get your Blessings 🎶 🎵
Azilee
Azilee
Violaine Gonzalez
Senior Associate
185
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Hi Ruby, try to do well in your science and math classes and join clubs like science, health, or student leadership. Volunteering is also important—colleges love to see you helping your community, so aim for 50–100 hours throughout high school. Look for volunteer work in healthcare to show your passion for medicine. Your effort and commitment will really shine! You can do it!
Morgan Adams
Healthcare Administration
35
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
Colleges care far more about consistent effort and impact than being athletic or wealthy, so focus on what’s accessible to you: do well in challenging classes, build strong study habits now, and form good relationships with teachers. Get involved in 1–2 meaningful activities you can stick with—volunteering at hospitals (when old enough), tutoring younger kids, helping at clinics, joining science/health clubs, or starting a small service project related to children or health all fit your goals. For community service, there’s no magic number, but 50–150 hours over high school, done consistently and with leadership or growth, looks better than rushing hundreds at the last minute. Most importantly, explore medicine early through reading, shadowing when possible, summer programs, and asking questions—colleges love curiosity, resilience, and direction, especially from students who make the most of limited resources.
Michelle Wong
Tax Consulting
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Ruby!
It's fantastic that you've already began to start thinking about your future! Being proactive is awesome. I'm not particularly aware of a good standard for set volunteer hours, but I do know consistency is fantastic. If you're already thinking about this as a freshman, finding a volunteer organization or project that you can see yourself committing to for your entire high school tenure would look amazing! As you're just a freshman, anything is fantastic but as you progress it would also look amazing if you had a leadership role in any project you pursue. My advice is to try as many different projects as possible but the most important is the consistency and longevity of them. Colleges at the end of the day, view college applicants under the idea of "Will they be a good representative for the school name?".
Lastly, I just want to ensure you that athleticism or income are fortunately not a factor in college decisions. In fact, a lot of these colleges take so much into consideration, one being the surrounded area you attended school in. Luckily, they will not compare your application to another individual who's well off. Colleges, especially nowadays, understand that each applicant don't have a linear, standardized experience. That's a HUGE reason why the application consists of an essay portion so you can detail your own unique experiences. It's just your job to make experiences to talk about in your essay!
Hope this helps, wishing you the best!
It's fantastic that you've already began to start thinking about your future! Being proactive is awesome. I'm not particularly aware of a good standard for set volunteer hours, but I do know consistency is fantastic. If you're already thinking about this as a freshman, finding a volunteer organization or project that you can see yourself committing to for your entire high school tenure would look amazing! As you're just a freshman, anything is fantastic but as you progress it would also look amazing if you had a leadership role in any project you pursue. My advice is to try as many different projects as possible but the most important is the consistency and longevity of them. Colleges at the end of the day, view college applicants under the idea of "Will they be a good representative for the school name?".
Lastly, I just want to ensure you that athleticism or income are fortunately not a factor in college decisions. In fact, a lot of these colleges take so much into consideration, one being the surrounded area you attended school in. Luckily, they will not compare your application to another individual who's well off. Colleges, especially nowadays, understand that each applicant don't have a linear, standardized experience. That's a HUGE reason why the application consists of an essay portion so you can detail your own unique experiences. It's just your job to make experiences to talk about in your essay!
Hope this helps, wishing you the best!
Andrea Mazie
consulting
13
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
I know it can be really hard not to feel like everything you do in high school needs to lead to the next thing... There's lots of pressure to feel that way and that message is definitely out there. But... High school isn't just a means to an end - it's an end in itself. So you might also ask yourself what you WANT to do? What feels meaningful to you? What makes you feel energized?
When you follow your passions and curiosity you can grow so much. And THAT is a compelling story to tell on a college application (if that's the goal). Students with great grades who check all the boxes don't always stand out. But if you are someone leaning into learning or volunteering or a club because you are genuinely interested - that's powerful and distinctive!
When you follow your passions and curiosity you can grow so much. And THAT is a compelling story to tell on a college application (if that's the goal). Students with great grades who check all the boxes don't always stand out. But if you are someone leaning into learning or volunteering or a club because you are genuinely interested - that's powerful and distinctive!