"Cramming" Volunteering?

[zappyapples]

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A short little follow-up question on the last post I made concerning my upcoming SMP year. My extracurriculars are mostly up to par in terms of commitment and hours except for non-clinical volunteering, which I have zero of. I was told by some of the adcoms here to take care of this now before beginning my SMP (currently in the process of MCAT study and applying to these SMPs), as I would not have time during my SMP year.

I'm going to begin volunteering at a local food bank next week, but say I volunteer for 2-3 hours a week (pretty much all I have time for) for the rest of the semester, I'm only going to have about 20-30 hours by the time I graduate.

One thing I am heavily considering is the AmeriCorps Summer of Service this summer if anyone is familiar with that. I don't have other plans for my summer and I feel like it would be a good use of my time. The only thing I'm afraid of is that cramming all these hours now and the short-term nature of the AmeriCorps project will look bad. Obviously it isn't ideal that I’m doing it late, but does anyone have any insight into how heavily this will hurt? Many thanks.

 

[AJS59]

A short little follow-up question on the last post I made concerning my upcoming SMP year. My extracurriculars are mostly up to par in terms of commitment and hours except for non-clinical volunteering, which I have zero of. I was told by some of the adcoms here to take care of this now before beginning my SMP (currently in the process of MCAT study and applying to these SMPs), as I would not have time during my SMP year.

I'm going to begin volunteering at a local food bank next week, but say I volunteer for 2-3 hours a week (pretty much all I have time for) for the rest of the semester, I'm only going to have about 20-30 hours by the time I graduate.

One thing I am heavily considering is the AmeriCorps Summer of Service this summer if anyone is familiar with that. I don't have other plans for my summer and I feel like it would be a good use of my time. The only thing I'm afraid of is that cramming all these hours now and the short-term nature of the AmeriCorps project will look bad. Obviously it isn't ideal that I’m doing it late, but does anyone have any insight into how heavily this will hurt? Many thanks.

Americorps is a perfectly good program. I don't really think this would hurt you significantly - obviously longitudinal service is better but if this is what you want to do go for it

 

[zappyapples]

Americorps is a perfectly good program. I don't really think this would hurt you significantly - obviously longitudinal service is better but if this is what you want to do go for it

Gotcha thanks for the advice. I’ve heard AmeriCorps in general was a good program but I haven’t heard too much of anything about how med schools would feel about a short 1.5 month AmeriCorps term. It does feel like one of those high volume, last minute volunteering things I’ve heard people warning about.

 

[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

Gotcha thanks for the advice. I’ve heard AmeriCorps in general was a good program but I haven’t heard too much of anything about how med schools would feel about a short 1.5 month AmeriCorps term. It does feel like one of those high volume, last minute volunteering things I’ve heard people warning about.

AmeriCorps is an established institution with history of service to people across the USA. It would be a good thing for your summer. Engage with it deeply - if you incorporate it into a personal statement, then it will be read as a summer well spent.

Food bank is a valuable service.

If you feel concerned about the hours the spent(which you shouldn't), then shift the focus to the intensity during hours. Seek leadership, advancement. You could leave with great future connections and friends.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Gotcha thanks for the advice. I’ve heard AmeriCorps in general was a good program but I haven’t heard too much of anything about how med schools would feel about a short 1.5 month AmeriCorps term. It does feel like one of those high volume, last minute volunteering things I’ve heard people warning about.

It's great that Americorps has options that don't involve a full-year commitment. I think when it comes to the summer programs, it depends how much you immerse yourself and how you reflect on the challenges you face. It will not be viewed the same as "voluntourism" because you are spending 1.5 months serving others in the US.

We have not fielded many people on the forum (that I recall) that did just the Americorps summer. We do hold to 150 hours minimum of service orientation activities, and Americorps usually fills that bucket. However, you should apply once you have the 150 minimum hours (to avoid getting screened out); furthermore, many service-oriented schools want applicants with many more (800+) experience hours.

Also, if you got accepted to an SMP, check with them before committing. Some SMPs may have start times that could conflict. Others may love having you do this, but they want a chance to comment on your holistic application profile and advise you. Ask about flexibility to continue to do food bank, but remember you must focus on your SMP courses as if they were your MCAT. That is to say, reduce distractions to a bare minimum or an amount that helps you maintain your "sanity" or wellness.

 

[LindaAccepted]

A short little follow-up question on the last post I made concerning my upcoming SMP year. My extracurriculars are mostly up to par in terms of commitment and hours except for non-clinical volunteering, which I have zero of. I was told by some of the adcoms here to take care of this now before beginning my SMP (currently in the process of MCAT study and applying to these SMPs), as I would not have time during my SMP year.

I'm going to begin volunteering at a local food bank next week, but say I volunteer for 2-3 hours a week (pretty much all I have time for) for the rest of the semester, I'm only going to have about 20-30 hours by the time I graduate.

One thing I am heavily considering is the AmeriCorps Summer of Service this summer if anyone is familiar with that. I don't have other plans for my summer and I feel like it would be a good use of my time. The only thing I'm afraid of is that cramming all these hours now and the short-term nature of the AmeriCorps project will look bad. Obviously it isn't ideal that I’m doing it late, but does anyone have any insight into how heavily this will hurt? Many thanks.

Americorps is highly respected and would be a great way for you to spend your summer. Journal about your work there: What did you do? What did you accomplish (AKA results)? What did you learn? How did others react? How did you feel?

I would try to continue during the SMP with some non-clinical volunteering -- local food bank is fine -- even if very limited, but I also agree that you shouldn't let that commitment interfere with your SMP, which has to be your primary commitment.

 

[zappyapples]

AmeriCorps is an established institution with history of service to people across the USA. It would be a good thing for your summer. Engage with it deeply - if you incorporate it into a personal statement, then it will be read as a summer well spent.

Food bank is a valuable service.

If you feel concerned about the hours the spent(which you shouldn't), then shift the focus to the intensity during hours. Seek leadership, advancement. You could leave with great future connections and friends.

Americorps is highly respected and would be a great way for you to spend your summer. Journal about your work there: What did you do? What did you accomplish (AKA results)? What did you learn? How did others react? How did you feel?

I would try to continue during the SMP with some non-clinical volunteering -- local food bank is fine -- even if very limited, but I also agree that you shouldn't let that commitment interfere with your SMP, which has to be your primary commitment.

AmeriCorps is an established institution with history of service to people across the USA. It would be a good thing for your summer. Engage with it deeply - if you incorporate it into a personal statement, then it will be read as a summer well spent.

Food bank is a valuable service.

If you feel concerned about the hours the spent(which you shouldn't), then shift the focus to the intensity during hours. Seek leadership, advancement. You could leave with great future connections and friends.

That sounds great, thank you all for the advice!