What's the average number of volunteer hours for high school students?

Hi all! I've been trying to plan out my extracurriculars and community service, and I was wondering what the average number of volunteer hours is for high school students. How much should I be aiming for to have a well-rounded application for college admissions?

Hello! It's essential to remember that college admissions officers value quality over quantity when it comes to extracurricular activities and volunteer hours. While there isn't a specific "average" number of volunteer hours that you should be aiming for, a general guideline would be to aim for around 50-200 hours throughout your entire high school career.

Keep in mind that colleges are more interested in seeing a consistent, meaningful involvement in community service or other extracurricular activities than just a high number of hours. Instead of focusing on accumulating as many hours as possible, you should prioritize choosing volunteer opportunities that align with your interests, values, or future goals.

For example, if you're passionate about environmental conservation, you might volunteer at a local nature center or participate in community cleanup events. If you're interested in a medical career, consider volunteering at a local hospital or organizing fundraisers for health-related organizations.

Make sure your service hours reflect a genuine commitment to the cause and demonstrate your dedication, leadership skills, and collaboration abilities. Remember that a combination of extracurricular activities that showcases your unique skills and passions will create a strong application.