How to Pick the Right Volunteer Opportunities for Your Goals

Many students add community service to their high school to-do list but struggle to pinpoint where to start. Whether it's volunteering at a soup kitchen, frequenting a senior citizen center, or coaching youth soccer, there are a variety of different ways for students to make an impact.

Make a Difference in Your Community By Volunteering This Summer

Volunteer work can be a valuable opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on skills, expand their horizons, and make an impact. Between test prep and summer activities, it may feel challenging to find time in your summer schedule for community service, but most students would agree that it’s well worth the effort.

Choose Volunteer Opportunities That Are Meaningful to You

Not only does community service provide you with the opportunity to give back, it may boost your admissions odds. According to a 2018 study by IESD for x2VOL, 58% of admissions officers agree that community service has a positive impact on a prospective student’s application.

Find Volunteer Activities That Align With Your Interests By Getting Creative

We talk a lot about what colleges and universities are looking for when evaluating applications. Grades, courses, and test scores are very important, but so are the less quantifiable elements, like activities and essays. One thing many students overlook when preparing for the admissions process is community service. Just like with other extracurricular activities, colleges want to see students participating in impactful volunteer opportunities – finding a way to give back and enhance their local community. So how do students find the right community service activities for them?