volunteer time vs duration

[Ost3oclast]

I've been sifting through old threads trying to find a decent answer for my question but I couldn't really find one that answered it. I know that adcoms want to see alot of volunteer hours and commitments over a long period of time (1+ years commitment). Granted I have some activities that I've been doing for years but there are some cases where the volunteer experience I have is spread out over the period of about 2 years.

For example, I volunteer for the Red Cross. I've been doing this since early 2010 so I've been volunteering for about 1 year duration. However, in my small town we hardly ever do anything as an organization and as a result, I only have about 40 hours total (almost 1 hour a week) with the organization. The same goes for my volunteer fire & rescue experience. The fire seasons are usually very slow (except for this one so far) and although we do have 1 hour per week meetings, it is still very little volunteer time although I've been doing this for 2 years.

Will adcoms look unfavorably on you dedicating yourself to an activity for a longer period of time without extensive hours? Or does the fact that you participated in the EC so long negate the "poor" volunteer hours. Thanks guys!🙂

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[slatermd]

I am by no means an authority on this, but from what I have read I think you are ok. People on these forums say that 40 hours over 2 years looks better than 40 hours crammed into the month before you apply.

I generally repeat such advice as if I have the authority to do so. Because this is the internet.

 

[the duck]

I am by no means an authority on this, but from what I have read I think you are ok. People on these forums say that 40 hours over 2 years looks better than 40 hours crammed into the month before you apply.

I generally repeat such advice as if I have the authority to do so. Because this is the internet.

haha. I do the same thing. It seems like misinformation could start spreading rather quickly this way though...

 

[regularbobj]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but where do you put your volunteer experiences? In your resume?

 

[slatermd]

When you are filling out your med school application online, there are 15 "spaces" for you to list and describe any activities you choose. Volunteer work should go there. You can list them separately, or you can put them all in one space and use the other 14 spaces to discuss other activities.

I can't comment on whether or not 150 hours is "enough." I would do more if you have the opportunity, provided that you don't desperately need to use your time to get other experience (research, shadowing, etc).

 

[duress]

I really think many schools approach volunteering and similar activities as something to check off, regardless of number of hours per week or duration. (Barring incredible/lackluster commitments or activities that absolutely stand out)

Even just 1 hr/wk over a longer period of time implies that you've been a dependable volunteer to rely on and from appearances alone, that you like what you do enough to stay with it. Contrast that with volunteering 6 hours a day over one winter break.

 

[regularbobj]

When you are filling out your med school application online, there are 15 "spaces" for you to list and describe any activities you choose. Volunteer work should go there. You can list them separately, or you can put them all in one space and use the other 14 spaces to discuss other activities.

I can't comment on whether or not 150 hours is "enough." I would do more if you have the opportunity, provided that you don't desperately need to use your time to get other experience (research, shadowing, etc).

Thanks for that informative post! I had no idea about that 15 spaces thing.

 

[slatermd]

Yes.

 

[Ost3oclast]

Thanks for the reply's everyone. I didn't know what was going to be good enough but I was kind of thinking along the same lines as you all.