Best way to describe volunteer work on Common App?

I've got a fair amount of volunteer work that I'd love for colleges to know about, but I’m not quite sure how best to present it in the Common App. How can I highlight the impact and the skills gained without it coming off as just another list item? Feeling a little overwhelmed trying to make it sound genuine and impactful.

Hello there! It's wonderful that you've dedicated time to volunteer work—colleges will definitely appreciate your community involvement. When you list your volunteer experiences in the Common App, make sure to focus on the outcomes of your efforts. Rather than just describing the tasks you performed, share the broader impact of your work. For instance, if you helped organize a food drive, you could mention how many families were fed as a result.

Additionally, reflect on what you've learned from volunteering. Personal growth, leadership, and teamwork are all valuable skills that colleges look for in applicants. Describe an instance where you demonstrated initiative or overcame a challenge within your volunteer work. Maybe you saw a need in your community and took the lead on a project to address it, which would showcase leadership and compassion.

Remember, authenticity is key. Choose one or two experiences that were most meaningful to you and go into a bit more detail about those. Explain why you chose to get involved and how this has shaped your perspective or future goals. This will not only make your application stand out but will also provide a glimpse into who you are as a person, not just a volunteer.

Lastly, don’t worry about whether it’s in a Tier 3, 2, or even 1 extracurricular—it's the sincerity and personal significance of your volunteer experience that will resonate the most. Good luck!