They actually do want you to go all the way back to high school and even farther back if possible. They want to see that you have bee volunteering to show that you truly have the desire to help people. I made the mistake of only listing things from undergrad, as other secondary apps wanted to see proof of the hours volunteered. I only had a few documented volunteering experiences, I could get references, but only a few actually gave me a certificate and stated hours worked. Also there wasn't too much room on the app, so I only wrote a few big things from college and was quite vague on the descriptions of them. I was hoping in my interviews I would have a chance to talk about all I had done or be asked to explain. That was not the case though, the interviewer and 20 or so scripted questions that he rattled off one after the other, not trying to start a conversation and no questions that I could even steer back to what I wanted to convey to them. Anyway, I applied quite late, last day possible (I'm half-******ed, my fault), and was placed on the alternate list. I received a phone call form the admissions office to tell me that there wasn't much movement on waiting list and make sure I apply earlier this year (still gettin around to it) and the lady asked why I never volunteered in high school. I told her about lack of documentation for it and space on app. She said to add whatever you need. She talked to me for another 45 minutes as I told her all experiences since 7th grade and she added another 2000 hours worth of stuff to my app, but was a lil late tho. She said she would personally come down and strangle me if I don't add all that stuff next time. She said to right a book (as I am obviously doing here). She said to add everything were you help others even if it be mowing some elderly person's lawn or shoveling their snow in the winter. She added on all my volunteer coaching, and running lock-ins at the church or YMCA. I thought that kind of stuff didn't matter and adding everything would look like I was trying to fluff up my application. But she said everybody else does. SO having said all that, think back to everything you have ever done to better mankind and put it in your application, the only thing it will hurt is your hand and wrist from all the writing, but you will learn about all that when you get to med school. Good luck applying and maybe see ya there next year.
