Common Data Set · Section C7

Which colleges consider volunteer work in admissions?

Of the 143 colleges with Common Data Set filings in Trajecta's dataset, 8 rate volunteer work very important in their admissions decisions, 36 rate it important, 89 considered, and 10 say it is not considered — as self-reported in each school's CDS section C7 ("Volunteer work").

What "Volunteer work" means

Volunteer work is community service: tutoring, food banks, advocacy, service trips, and everything in between. Colleges that consider it read for sustained, genuine commitment and impact — a long-term role serving your own community reads far better than a large hour count logged for a requirement. It usually functions as one strand of your broader extracurricular story.

Very Important8 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Important36 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Show 24 more colleges

Considered89 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Show 77 more colleges

Not Considered10 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Volunteer work: frequently asked questions

How many volunteer hours do colleges want?

There is no target number — admissions offices read for commitment and impact, not an hours total. A sustained weekly role over two years beats a one-week trip with triple the hours. If your school requires service hours, colleges know the difference between requirement and initiative.

Does volunteer work really help college applications?

At colleges that consider it, genuine service helps as evidence of character and community contribution — the C7 lists here show where it carries formal weight. Resume-padding service is easy for readers to spot and discount.

Which colleges consider volunteer work in admissions?

Of the 143 colleges with Common Data Set filings in Trajecta's dataset, 8 rate volunteer work very important in admissions, 36 rate it important, 89 considered, and 10 say it is not considered. Colleges rating it very important include University of Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon University, University of California-Irvine, William & Mary, Brigham Young University.

Other admission factors

Rigor of secondary school record Class rank Academic GPA Standardized test scores Application essay Recommendation(s)Interview Extracurricular activities Talent/ability Character/personal qualities First generation Alumni/ae relation Geographical residence State residency Religious affiliation/commitment Work experience Level of applicant's interest

All admission factors

Ratings are self-reported by each college in its Common Data Set, section C7. Every school links to its full data page. Explore the college rankings →