Key Takeaway: If you’re considering volunteering in high school, you might wonder how many hours you’ll need for your college application. While 50-200 hours is typical, the focus should be on your motivation for volunteering rather than the exact number of hours. Colleges value genuine passion for giving back to the community and making a difference, so volunteer because you care about making an impact, not just to boost your application.
Volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of those around you. It allows you to explore areas of interest, give back to your community, and develop valuable skills like leadership and teamwork.
Flickr user Kompania Piwowarska
But volunteering just to check off a box on your college application? Well, that defeats the purpose of what volunteering is all about. While colleges do consider volunteer hours, they are primarily interested in seeing your involvement and passion for your community.
So, how many volunteer hours are truly necessary? And do colleges actually care? On average, 50-200 hours are expected. And yes, colleges care to some degree. Let’s take a closer look though:
Do Colleges Care About Volunteer Hours?
The answer is both yes and no. Volunteer hours are not required for college applications, but they are still valued. Colleges don’t mandate them because they want it to be a personal choice. They view volunteer work similarly to extracurricular activities, despite the common belief that it’s held in higher regard.
If you’re passionate about giving back to your community, go ahead and volunteer, and be sure to document it on your college applications. However, don’t do it just to impress admissions officers—they can easily recognize when students aren’t genuinely passionate.
How Many Volunteer Hours Should I Complete?
While there’s no exact number of volunteer hours that guarantees your college acceptance, a general range of 50-200 hours is often considered impressive. However, what you are doing and why you are doing it is more important than aiming for a specific amount of hours.
For example, a student who organizes a school-wide food drive to address local hunger issues, coordinates volunteers, and secures donations—because they are genuinely passionate about helping those in need—is likely to impress admissions officers more than just logging hours at a community center every week.
How Can I Earn Volunteer Hours?
Wondering how you can volunteer as a high school student? There are opportunities all around you. Start by asking your guidance counselor to see what past students have done. You can also reach out to local organizations and look online (VolunteerMatch, DoSomething, TeenLife, and Catchafire to name a few.)
Remember, if you can’t find one that speaks to your passions—start one! Identify a need in your community and address it by making it your very own passion project!
Real Examples of Volunteer Work
- At the young age of 14, Noah Rupp, along with his father, established the Noah’s Ark Project. They set out to provide homeless individuals with specialized sleeping bags to retain body heat and shield them from the elements.
- The nonprofit Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow was founded by high schooler William Cabaniss. William learned how to make premium vanilla extract at home, began selling it, and donated the profits to a local food bank. To date, Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow has currently donated $210,405, which has provided 631,215 meals to East Tennessee residents in need.
Consider the Following Opportunities
- Volunteer at a thrift store
- Help build with Habitat for Humanity
- Deliver food for Meals on Wheels
- Read to kids at schools or libraries
- Fundraise for an organization
- Clean up a park
- Make blankets for hospice centers
- Walk shelter dogs
- Start a community garden
- Send care packages
- Help your neighbors (walk dogs, wash cars, mow lawns, rake leaves)
- Collect food for a food pantry
- Host an event for a local non-profit
- Host a bake sale
- Organize a charity run
How To Track and Document Volunteer Hours
Most colleges don’t require you to track your volunteer hours, but it is still a good idea to keep up with them. Document your time spent in a notebook or spreadsheet. It can be as simple as writing the date, where and how you volunteered, and the time spent. This way, you’ll remember what you’ve done, and you’ll be able to provide colleges and scholarships with accurate information.
When Should I Complete My Volunteer Hours?
You can volunteer all throughout your high school career! Many students begin early because there is typically more free time during freshman and sophomore year. However, when you find something you are passionate about, you’ll find ways to make time for it (even in the midst of a busy academic year).
Keep in mind that college applications are due in the fall and winter of senior year. This means you’ll want to make sure you have completed the bulk of your volunteering before you submit your applications.
You don’t have to wait until you’re an adult to make a difference. Volunteering as a high school student is an important learning opportunity. Not only can you make an impact on your community, but you can also gain career-related experience and develop valuable skills. While colleges do consider volunteer hours on your application, keep in mind that is not something you do just to check a box. Ask yourself what kind of difference you want to make, and then find a way to do it!
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