How to select volunteers for admission to American universities

Today, we will take some time to talk about volunteer activities. While volunteer work may not play a central role in college admissions, it is still important, and many students have questions about it.

If there were statistics indicating that specific volunteer activities were more likely to lead to admission to a particular university, I would share them. However, such data doesn't exist, and even among students admitted to the same university, the variety of their volunteer experiences makes it difficult to provide specific advice.

So today, I'll discuss the types of volunteer activities that exist and how to find such opportunities.

Many people who come to our A-One Institute for counseling often ask about suitable volunteer activities. Therefore, I'll categorize and explain some common types:

1. Collect Make Donate:

   • This involves creating or collecting items for donation.

2. Teaching:

   • Teaching activities, such as tutoring subjects like math or English to students facing challenges.

3. Volunteer:

   • Volunteering at local public institutions like libraries, community centers, or parks.

4. Installation:

   • Participating in the construction of widely used facilities like playgrounds or installing signs in high-risk areas.

5. Volunteer Abroad:

   • Engaging in activities abroad to assist people in difficult situations.

6. Related to Major:

   • Participating in volunteer activities related to one's academic major.

Related to Major Volunteer Activities

Volunteer activities related to one's major can be diverse, such as in:

• healthcare

• computer science

• education

• assisting people with disabilities

• animal rights, community organizing

• conservationism

• politics

• history

• eldercare support.

  
  

• If any of these categories interest you, searching for relevant volunteer opportunities is recommended.

There are various platforms to find volunteer opportunities, and one such platform is VolunteerMatch. It allows you to search for activities based on your location and interests. The results are extensive and diverse, so using your zip code and specifying your field of interest can help you find more tailored opportunities.

Volunteer Certification Organizations

While some individuals directly find local volunteer opportunities, others prefer working with certified volunteer organizations. Here are some influential ones:

• American Red Cross: Well-known for various volunteer activities.

• The Humane Society of the United States: Focuses on animal-related activities.

• KEY CLUB: Offers diverse volunteering opportunities for high school students.

• DoSomething.org: Matches individuals with suitable volunteer activities, especially for students and elders.

• SIERRA CLUB: An environmental organization with a long history.

• Habitat for Humanity: Involves building homes for those in need.

• Best Buddies: Assists individuals with intellectual disabilities through various programs.

• Special Olympics: Helps individuals with disabilities engage in sports.

• Meals on Wheels America: Supports elderly individuals in adapting to society.

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Provides economic and physical support to veterans.

Being associated with certified organizations can eliminate suspicions about the authenticity of your volunteer work during the college admissions process.

While specific volunteer activities may not be a significant hook for college admissions, engaging in meaningful volunteer work is valuable, and having some volunteer experience is generally more advantageous than having none. If you wish to connect your activities with your school, contacting an organization and creating a specialized club could be an effective strategy.

In conclusion, I hope the information provided by our A-One Institute proves useful in selecting the right volunteer opportunities.

Thank you.