Volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on your community. But did you know that it can have many benefits for you, too? Colleges want to see a complete picture of you, and real examples of your commitment, dedication, and interests. Volunteering provides colleges an opportunity to see you differently than other applicants. They see you as involved and concerned with regards to the needs of society.

Whether you build houses for the homeless or mail flyers for a local politician, you can experience the real world through hands-on work. You can use this experience to explore your major or career interests.

Some schools offer academic credit for volunteer work through service-learning. This is a teaching method that integrates hands-on learning (through service to the community) into the school curriculum. It’s available in high schools and colleges, as well as in earlier grades.

Colleges pay attention to your life inside and outside the classroom. Your extracurricular activities reveal a great deal about you, such as what your interests are, whether you can manage your priorities and maintain a long-term commitment, what diversity you would bring to the student body, and how you have made a meaningful contribution to society or your local community.

There are many people, places, and organizations that need volunteers. Here are some tips for getting started: » Read more: Volunteerism Can Not Only Help You Get Into College, But Can Help You Reduce or Eliminate Debts