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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to write a great community service essay.

College Admissions , Extracurriculars

Are you applying to a college or a scholarship that requires a community service essay? Do you know how to write an essay that will impress readers and clearly show the impact your work had on yourself and others?

Read on to learn step-by-step instructions for writing a great community service essay that will help you stand out and be memorable.

What Is a Community Service Essay? Why Do You Need One?

A community service essay is an essay that describes the volunteer work you did and the impact it had on you and your community. Community service essays can vary widely depending on specific requirements listed in the application, but, in general, they describe the work you did, why you found the work important, and how it benefited people around you.

Community service essays are typically needed for two reasons:

#1: To Apply to College

• Some colleges require students to write community service essays as part of their application or to be eligible for certain scholarships.
• You may also choose to highlight your community service work in your personal statement.

#2: To Apply for Scholarships

• Some scholarships are specifically awarded to students with exceptional community service experiences, and many use community service essays to help choose scholarship recipients.
• Green Mountain College offers one of the most famous of these scholarships. Their "Make a Difference Scholarship" offers full tuition, room, and board to students who have demonstrated a significant, positive impact through their community service

Getting Started With Your Essay

In the following sections, I'll go over each step of how to plan and write your essay. I'll also include sample excerpts for you to look through so you can get a better idea of what readers are looking for when they review your essay.

Step 1: Know the Essay Requirements

Before your start writing a single word, you should be familiar with the essay prompt. Each college or scholarship will have different requirements for their essay, so make sure you read these carefully and understand them.

Specific things to pay attention to include:

• Length requirement
• Application deadline
• The main purpose or focus of the essay
• If the essay should follow a specific structure

Below are three real community service essay prompts. Read through them and notice how much they vary in terms of length, detail, and what information the writer should include.

From the Equitable Excellence Scholarship:

"Describe your outstanding achievement in depth and provide the specific planning, training, goals, and steps taken to make the accomplishment successful. Include details about your role and highlight leadership you provided. Your essay must be a minimum of 350 words but not more than 600 words."

From the Laura W. Bush Traveling Scholarship:

"Essay (up to 500 words, double spaced) explaining your interest in being considered for the award and how your proposed project reflects or is related to both UNESCO's mandate and U.S. interests in promoting peace by sharing advances in education, science, culture, and communications."

From the LULAC National Scholarship Fund:

"Please type or print an essay of 300 words (maximum) on how your academic studies will contribute to your personal & professional goals. In addition, please discuss any community service or extracurricular activities you have been involved in that relate to your goals."

Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas

Even after you understand what the essay should be about, it can still be difficult to begin writing. Answer the following questions to help brainstorm essay ideas. You may be able to incorporate your answers into your essay.

• What community service activity that you've participated in has meant the most to you?
• What is your favorite memory from performing community service?
• Why did you decide to begin community service?
• What made you decide to volunteer where you did?
• How has your community service changed you?
• How has your community service helped others?
• How has your community service affected your plans for the future?

You don't need to answer all the questions, but if you find you have a lot of ideas for one of two of them, those may be things you want to include in your essay.

Writing Your Essay

How you structure your essay will depend on the requirements of the scholarship or school you are applying to. You may give an overview of all the work you did as a volunteer, or highlight a particularly memorable experience. You may focus on your personal growth or how your community benefited.

Regardless of the specific structure requested, follow the guidelines below to make sure your community service essay is memorable and clearly shows the impact of your work.

Samples of mediocre and excellent essays are included below to give you a better idea of how you should draft your own essay.

Step 1: Hook Your Reader In

You want the person reading your essay to be interested, so your first sentence should hook them in and entice them to read more. A good way to do this is to start in the middle of the action. Your first sentence could describe you helping build a house, releasing a rescued animal back to the wild, watching a student you tutored read a book on their own, or something else that quickly gets the reader interested. This will help set your essay apart and make it more memorable.

Compare these two opening sentences:

"I have volunteered at the Wishbone Pet Shelter for three years."

"The moment I saw the starving, mud-splattered puppy brought into the shelter with its tail between its legs, I knew I'd do whatever I could to save it."

The first sentence is a very general, bland statement. The majority of community service essays probably begin a lot like it, but it gives the reader little information and does nothing to draw them in. On the other hand, the second sentence begins immediately with action and helps persuade the reader to keep reading so they can learn what happened to the dog.

Step 2: Discuss the Work You Did

Once you've hooked your reader in with your first sentence, tell them about your community service experiences. State where you work, when you began working, how much time you've spent there, and what your main duties include. This will help the reader quickly put the rest of the essay in context and understand the basics of your community service work.

Not including basic details about your community service could leave your reader confused.

Step 3: Include Specific Details

It's the details of your community service that make your experience unique and memorable, so go into the specifics of what you did.

For example, don't just say you volunteered at a nursing home; talk about reading Mrs. Johnson her favorite book, watching Mr. Scott win at bingo, and seeing the residents play games with their grandchildren at the family day you organized. Try to include specific activities, moments, and people in your essay. Having details like these let the readers really understand what work you did and how it differs from other volunteer experiences.

Compare these two passages:

"For my volunteer work, I tutored children at a local elementary school. I helped them improve their math skills and become more confident students."

"As a volunteer at York Elementary School, I worked one-on-one with second and third graders who struggled with their math skills, particularly addition, subtraction, and fractions. As part of my work, I would create practice problems and quizzes and try to connect math to the students' interests. One of my favorite memories was when Sara, a student I had been working with for several weeks, told me that she enjoyed the math problems I had created about a girl buying and selling horses so much that she asked to help me create math problems for other students."

The first passage only gives basic information about the work done by the volunteer; there is very little detail included, and no evidence is given to support her claims. How did she help students improve their math skills? How did she know they were becoming more confident?

The second passage is much more detailed. It recounts a specific story and explains more fully what kind of work the volunteer did, as well as a specific instance of a student becoming more confident with her math skills. Providing more detail in your essay helps support your claims as well as make your essay more memorable and unique.

Step 4: Show Your Personality

It would be very hard to get a scholarship or place at a school if none of your readers felt like they knew much about you after finishing your essay, so make sure that your essay shows your personality. The way to do this is to state your personal strengths, then provide examples to support your claims. Take some time to think about which parts of your personality you would like your essay to highlight, then write about specific examples to show this.

• If you want to show that you're a motivated leader, describe a time when you organized an event or supervised other volunteers.
• If you want to show your teamwork skills, write about a time you helped a group of people work together better.
• If you want to show that you're a compassionate animal lover, write about taking care of neglected shelter animals and helping each of them find homes.

Step 5: State What You Accomplished

After you have described your community service and given specific examples of your work, you want to begin to wrap your essay up by stating your accomplishments. What was the impact of your community service? Did you build a house for a family to move into? Help students improve their reading skills? Clean up a local park? Make sure the impact of your work is clear; don't be worried about bragging here.

If you can include specific numbers, that will also strengthen your essay. Saying "I delivered meals to 24 home-bound senior citizens" is a stronger example than just saying "I delivered meals to lots of senior citizens."

Also be sure to explain why your work matters. Why is what you did important? Did it provide more parks for kids to play in? Help students get better grades? Give people medical care who would otherwise not have gotten it? This is an important part of your essay, so make sure to go into enough detail that your readers will know exactly what you accomplished and how it helped your community.

"My biggest accomplishment during my community service was helping to organize a family event at the retirement home. The children and grandchildren of many residents attended, and they all enjoyed playing games and watching movies together."

"The community service accomplishment that I'm most proud of is the work I did to help organize the First Annual Family Fun Day at the retirement home. My job was to design and organize fun activities that senior citizens and their younger relatives could enjoy. The event lasted eight hours and included ten different games, two performances, and a movie screening with popcorn. Almost 200 residents and family members attended throughout the day. This event was important because it provided an opportunity for senior citizens to connect with their family members in a way they aren't often able to. It also made the retirement home seem more fun and enjoyable to children, and we have seen an increase in the number of kids coming to visit their grandparents since the event."

The second passage is stronger for a variety of reasons. First, it goes into much more detail about the work the volunteer did. The first passage only states that she helped "organize a family event." That really doesn't tell readers much about her work or what her responsibilities were. The second passage is much clearer; her job was to "design and organize fun activities."

The second passage also explains the event in more depth. A family day can be many things; remember that your readers are likely not familiar with what you're talking about, so details help them get a clearer picture.

Lastly, the second passage makes the importance of the event clear: it helped residents connect with younger family members, and it helped retirement homes seem less intimidating to children, so now some residents see their grand kids more often.

Step 6: Discuss What You Learned

One of the final things to include in your essay should be the impact that your community service had on you. You can discuss skills you learned, such as carpentry, public speaking, animal care, or another skill.

You can also talk about how you changed personally. Are you more patient now? More understanding of others? Do you have a better idea of the type of career you want? Go into depth about this, but be honest. Don't say your community service changed your life if it didn't because trite statements won't impress readers.

In order to support your statements, provide more examples. If you say you're more patient now, how do you know this? Do you get less frustrated while playing with your younger siblings? Are you more willing to help group partners who are struggling with their part of the work? You've probably noticed by now that including specific examples and details is one of the best ways to create a strong and believable essay .

"As a result of my community service, I learned a lot about building houses and became a more mature person."

"As a result of my community service, I gained hands-on experience in construction. I learned how to read blueprints, use a hammer and nails, and begin constructing the foundation of a two-bedroom house. Working on the house could be challenging at times, but it taught me to appreciate the value of hard work and be more willing to pitch in when I see someone needs help. My dad has just started building a shed in our backyard, and I offered to help him with it because I know from my community service how much work it is. I also appreciate my own house more, and I know how lucky I am to have a roof over my head."

The second passage is more impressive and memorable because it describes the skills the writer learned in more detail and recounts a specific story that supports her claim that her community service changed her and made her more helpful.

Step 7: Finish Strong

Just as you started your essay in a way that would grab readers' attention, you want to finish your essay on a strong note as well. A good way to end your essay is to state again the impact your work had on you, your community, or both. Reiterate how you changed as a result of your community service, why you found the work important, or how it helped others.

Compare these two concluding statements:

"In conclusion, I learned a lot from my community service at my local museum, and I hope to keep volunteering and learning more about history."

"To conclude, volunteering at my city's American History Museum has been a great experience. By leading tours and participating in special events, I became better at public speaking and am now more comfortable starting conversations with people. In return, I was able to get more community members interested in history and our local museum. My interest in history has deepened, and I look forward to studying the subject in college and hopefully continuing my volunteer work at my university's own museum."

The second passage takes each point made in the first passage and expands upon it. In a few sentences, the second passage is able to clearly convey what work the volunteer did, how she changed, and how her volunteer work benefited her community.

The author of the second passage also ends her essay discussing her future and how she'd like to continue her community service, which is a good way to wrap things up because it shows your readers that you are committed to community service for the long-term.

What's Next?

Are you applying to a community service scholarship or thinking about it? We have a complete list of all the community service scholarships available to help get your search started!

Do you need a community service letter as well? We have a step-by-step guide that will tell you how to get a great reference letter from your community service supervisor.

Thinking about doing community service abroad? Before you sign up, read our guide on some of the hazards of international volunteer trips and how to know if it's the right choice for you.

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Crafting an Impactful Personal Statement: Seamlessly Blend Volunteer Work!

Table of Contents

Learn how to effectively include volunteer work in your personal statement and make a lasting impression on admissions officers. Discover tips and strategies for showcasing your volunteer experiences, highlighting the skills and qualities you gained, and demonstrating your commitment to community service. Craft a compelling narrative that showcases your passion, values, and impact through volunteer work, and increase your chances of standing out among other applicants.

Volunteer work can play a crucial role in shaping one’s personal statement, showcasing an individual’s commitment to making a positive impact on society. By incorporating volunteer experiences into a personal statement, candidates not only demonstrate their altruistic nature but also highlight their ability to balance responsibilities, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively within diverse settings. As the admissions committee seeks well-rounded individuals who possess a genuine passion for serving others, highlighting volunteer work can help aspiring applicants stand out from the competition. Transitioning seamlessly from academic achievements to community involvement, this essay aims to shed light on how to effectively include volunteer work in a personal statement.

Introduction

When applying for a job or a college program, including volunteer work in your personal statement can greatly enhance your application. Volunteer work not only demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impact on society, but it also showcases valuable skills and experiences that can set you apart from other candidates. In this article, we will explore how to effectively include volunteer work in your personal statement.

Choose Relevant Volunteer Experiences

Highlighting the importance of relevancy

While all volunteer work is commendable, it is crucial to choose experiences that are relevant to the position or program you are applying for. Consider the specific skills and qualities required by the opportunity and select volunteer experiences that demonstrate your ability to fulfill those requirements. For example, if you are applying for a teaching position, emphasize your experience as a tutor or mentor.

Focus on Transferable Skills

Discussing the significance of transferable skills

Volunteer work often provides an excellent opportunity to develop and showcase transferable skills. These skills, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, can be applied in various professional settings. Identify the transferable skills you have gained through your volunteer experiences and explain how they relate to the position or program you are pursuing.

Provide Specific Examples

Illustrating the importance of specificity

When discussing your volunteer work, avoid general statements and provide specific examples to make your personal statement more compelling. Rather than stating that you volunteered at a local food bank, describe a particular event or project you were involved in and the impact it had on the community. These specific examples will help paint a clearer picture of your contributions and showcase your dedication.

Quantify Your Impact

Emphasizing the importance of quantifying impact

Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your volunteer work to provide tangible evidence of your accomplishments. For example, instead of stating that you helped organize an event, mention that you successfully coordinated a fundraising event that raised $10,000 for a charitable cause. Numbers and statistics can demonstrate your ability to make a measurable difference, adding credibility to your personal statement.

Show Passion and Commitment

Expressing the value of passion and commitment

Personal statements are an opportunity to showcase your genuine passion and commitment to the causes you have volunteered for. Share why you chose to volunteer in those specific areas and how they have shaped your values and aspirations. Expressing your dedication will not only make your personal statement more engaging but also demonstrate that you are likely to bring the same level of enthusiasm to the position or program.

Connect Volunteer Work to Future Goals

Emphasizing the importance of future goals

Link your volunteer experiences to your future goals in order to show continuity and purpose. Explain how your volunteer work has influenced your career or academic aspirations and how it aligns with the position or program you are applying for. By demonstrating this connection, you can convince the reader that your volunteer experiences have helped shape your professional path and make you a strong candidate.

Showcase Leadership Roles

Highlighting the significance of leadership

If you have held leadership positions during your volunteer work, be sure to highlight them in your personal statement. Leadership roles demonstrate your ability to take initiative, manage others, and effectively contribute to a team. Discuss how these leadership experiences have developed your leadership skills and how they will translate to the position or program you are applying for.

Highlight Personal Growth and Learning

Exploring the importance of personal growth

Volunteer work often provides valuable opportunities for personal growth and learning. Reflect on how your volunteer experiences have broadened your perspective, strengthened your resilience, or improved your ability to adapt to new situations. By highlighting these personal growth moments, you can demonstrate your capacity for continuous learning and development.

Don’t Oversell or Exaggerate

Addressing the importance of honesty

While it is important to effectively showcase your volunteer work, it is equally crucial to avoid overselling or exaggerating your experiences. Be honest and genuine in your personal statement, focusing on the real impact you have made and the skills you have acquired. Admissions committees and employers appreciate authenticity and are adept at identifying inflated claims.

Including volunteer work in your personal statement can significantly enhance your application by demonstrating your commitment, skills, and experiences. By choosing relevant experiences, emphasizing transferable skills, providing specific examples, quantifying your impact, and showcasing passion and commitment, you can effectively incorporate volunteer work into your personal statement. Remember to connect your volunteer work to your future goals, highlight leadership roles, and showcase personal growth without overselling or exaggerating. With a well-crafted personal statement, you can impress admissions committees and employers alike.

Introduction: Highlighting Volunteer Work in a Personal Statement

Volunteer work can be a valuable asset in a personal statement, as it showcases your dedication, compassion, and community involvement. Including your volunteering experiences allows you to demonstrate your commitment to social issues and highlight your unique contributions beyond academic achievements. Below are eight essential subheadings to guide you on how best to incorporate your volunteer work into your personal statement.

Select the volunteer experiences that align with your personal and professional goals, as well as the field of study or career you wish to pursue. Focus on highlighting your most impactful experiences that demonstrate your skills, leadership abilities, and commitment to making a positive impact in society.

Describe the Motivation Behind Your Volunteer Work

Provide insights into the reasons why you chose to engage in volunteer work. Explain how this decision relates to your personal values, interests, or life experiences, and how it has shaped your perspective on societal issues. Demonstrating your genuine passion will help create an emotional connection with the reader.

Discuss the Skills and Abilities Developed through Volunteer Work

Outline the specific skills and abilities you have gained or enhanced through your volunteer work. Whether it’s leadership, teamwork, adaptability, or problem-solving, linking these skills to real-life examples from your experiences will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively in various settings.

Share Impactful Stories and Outcomes

Make your personal statement memorable by recounting specific stories or instances that highlight the impact your volunteer work has had on your personal growth and on others. By sharing vivid anecdotes, you can effectively convey the transformative nature of your volunteering experiences and how they have shaped your character.

Connect Volunteer Work to Academic and Career Goals

Articulate how your volunteer experiences have influenced your aspirations in academia and future career choices. Discuss how your engagement in volunteer work has provided valuable insights and reinforced your commitment to making a difference in your chosen field. Linking your volunteer work to your academic and career goals will show your ability to apply knowledge and skills gained through volunteering in a meaningful way.

Demonstrate Long-Term Commitment

Emphasize your long-term commitment to volunteerism by discussing any ongoing projects, leadership roles, or plans for future involvement. This highlights your dedication and perseverance, underlying qualities that colleges and employers highly value.

Reflect on Personal Growth and Learning

Conclude your personal statement by reflecting on the personal growth, knowledge, and self-awareness you have acquired through your volunteer experiences. Discuss how these experiences have shaped your values, broadened your perspectives, and inspired you to continue making positive contributions in the future.Remember, incorporating volunteer work into your personal statement allows you to present a well-rounded and compassionate profile that can truly set you apart from other candidates.

When crafting a personal statement, it is essential to highlight experiences that demonstrate personal growth, leadership, and a commitment to serving others. Including volunteer work in a personal statement can greatly enhance its overall impact and portray an individual as a well-rounded candidate. Here are some points to consider when incorporating volunteer work into a personal statement:

• Choose relevant volunteer experiences: Select volunteer experiences that align with the field or industry you are applying to. This helps showcase your passion and dedication in a specific area.
• Highlight specific responsibilities: Clearly outline the tasks and responsibilities you had as a volunteer. This shows that you were actively engaged and took initiative in your volunteer work.
• Showcase transferable skills: Identify the skills you gained or strengthened through your volunteer work. These skills can include leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
• Quantify your impact: Whenever possible, provide quantifiable evidence of the impact you made as a volunteer. This could be in the form of numbers, percentages, or testimonials from those you served.
• Connect volunteer work to your future goals: Explain how your volunteer experiences have shaped your career aspirations and influenced your desire to make a difference in the field you are pursuing.
• Show consistency and commitment: Highlight any long-term volunteer commitments or involvement in multiple organizations to demonstrate your dedication to service.
• Reflect on personal growth: Discuss how your volunteer experiences have positively impacted your personal development, values, and worldview.
• Tie volunteer work to academic achievements: If applicable, link your volunteer work to any academic achievements or coursework that are relevant to your field of interest.
• Keep it concise and focused: While it is important to include volunteer work, ensure that it does not overshadow other crucial aspects of your personal statement. Maintain balance and conciseness throughout the narrative.
• Edit and revise: Finally, carefully review your personal statement to ensure that your volunteer experiences are well-integrated and effectively contribute to your overall story. Eliminate any redundant or irrelevant information.

Incorporating volunteer work into a personal statement can demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in the world and enhance your candidacy for various opportunities. By following these guidelines, you can effectively showcase your volunteer experiences and leave a lasting impression on admissions committees or potential employers.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog and read our article on how to include volunteer work in a personal statement. We hope that you have found the information provided helpful and informative. Volunteer work can greatly enhance your personal statement and showcase your commitment to making a positive impact in your community.

When including volunteer work in your personal statement, it is important to remember to highlight the skills and experiences gained from your involvement. This will not only demonstrate your dedication to helping others but also show admissions committees that you possess the qualities they are looking for in an applicant. By emphasizing the skills you have developed through volunteering, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, you can effectively convey how these experiences have shaped you as an individual.

Furthermore, it is crucial to connect your volunteer work to your future goals and aspirations. Admissions committees are interested in understanding how your experiences have influenced your academic and career choices. By explaining how your volunteer work has inspired you to pursue a particular field of study or career path, you can demonstrate your passion and commitment to making a difference in your chosen field. This will make your personal statement more compelling and memorable.

In conclusion, incorporating volunteer work into your personal statement can be a powerful way to showcase your values, skills, and aspirations. By highlighting the experiences and skills gained through your volunteer work, and connecting them to your future goals, you can create a compelling narrative that sets you apart from other applicants. Remember to always keep a professional tone and voice when writing your personal statement, and use transition words to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs. Good luck with your application process, and we hope that this article has been beneficial in guiding you towards crafting a standout personal statement!

People also ask:

• Why should I include volunteer work in my personal statement?
• How can I effectively mention volunteer work in my personal statement?
• What are some examples of volunteer work that can be included in a personal statement?
• Should I highlight specific skills or experiences gained through volunteer work?
• Can volunteer work help me stand out among other applicants?
• Including volunteer work in your personal statement is important as it demonstrates your commitment to serving others and your involvement in the community. It showcases your values, interests, and dedication to making a positive impact.
• To effectively mention volunteer work in your personal statement, start by briefly describing the organization or cause you volunteered for. Highlight the tasks and responsibilities you were assigned, emphasizing your active participation and any leadership roles you may have held. Connect your volunteer experience to your personal growth, values, or career aspirations.
• Volunteering at a local food bank or homeless shelter
• Tutoring disadvantaged students
• Participating in environmental conservation projects
• Assisting in healthcare clinics or hospitals
• Supporting community events or fundraisers
• It is beneficial to highlight specific skills or experiences gained through volunteer work. For example, if you volunteered at a hospital, you can mention how it enhanced your communication skills, ability to work in a team, and exposed you to the healthcare field. This demonstrates your transferable skills and valuable experiences.
• Volunteer work can definitely help you stand out among other applicants. It shows your dedication, empathy, and initiative, which are qualities highly regarded by admissions committees or potential employers. Including volunteer work in your personal statement allows you to showcase your well-roundedness and commitment to making a difference.

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4 Tips To Talk About Volunteering In Your Medicine Personal Statement

Learn how to write about volunteering in your Personal Statement for Medicine and prove that you're a strong candidate.

Volunteering is the perfect way to give back to your community, gain valuable skills and bolster your Medical School application at the same time. Follow these tips to write about volunteering in your Medicine Personal Statement .

Reflect on what you learned from volunteering

Don’t just provide a list of tasks you completed while volunteering – you really need to reflect on what you learned from the experience. This is what admissions tutors want you to write about in your Personal Statement, and also what interviewers want you to discuss at your Medical School interviews .

Did you gain any new skills from volunteering? Skills that are relevant to working in Medicine, such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving, are particularly good to mention. Did volunteering teach you anything about the realities of working in a medical or healthcare-related environment?

Remember that it’s relevant in a lot of ways

When writing your Personal Statement , you need to think about Motivation, Exploration and Suitability – essentially covering why you want to pursue Medicine, what you have done to explore Medicine as a career, and why you are suited to becoming a Doctor.

Volunteering (and work experience ) can be relevant in all three of these areas. For example, you might have:

• observed or experienced something while volunteering that cemented your decision to pursue Medicine (Motivation)
• learned important lessons about working in Medicine, if your volunteering was based in a medical environment (Exploration)
• gained key skills from volunteering that make you a strong candidate for Medical School (Suitability)

Obviously, your Personal Statement shouldn’t just be about volunteering – but remember that you may be able to include it in more ways than you thought!

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Link your volunteering experience to Medicine

Even if you didn’t volunteer in a medical or healthcare-related environment, you can still link your volunteering experience to Medicine.

People skills are just as important as academic skills when it comes to working as a Doctor, and many voluntary roles involve interacting with the public. It’s also likely that you worked with other volunteers, which must have involved teamwork – and balancing the time commitment of volunteer work with staying on top of your studies must have required good time management.

These are all relevant skills to working in Medicine, so you can discuss them in your Personal Statement and provide examples from your volunteering as evidence.

Don’t just focus on the positives

Volunteering can be tough at times and Doctors need to be resilient, so you might want to cite a situation where, for example, you overcame a challenge.

If you reflect on voluntary work (or work experience) in a purely positive way, admissions tutors and interviewers might think that you are bending the truth to tell them what you believe they want to hear.

In the application process, they are looking for candidates who understand the realities of working in Medicine. The ideal candidate will be able to cope with stress, failure and difficult tasks such as breaking bad news – so if any aspects of your volunteer work have made you a more resilient person, this is useful to mention in your Personal Statement.

Find out more: Medicine Personal Statement Examples

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Writing a Personal Statement Essay for Volunteer Job

Just like with CVs, even if the volunteering job post doesn’t require submission of motivation letter, it doesn’t mean you won’t have to send it. The interviewer can ask you to send CV + motivation letter or essay upon the completion of the interview.

That’s why it’s highly important to think about writing a personal statement at the very beginning. This will give you time to decide what to write, how to write it, and make sure the motivation letter is well-crafted before you send an email.

Although it seems like volunteering motivation letter is easy to write, it still holds a trap that you should avoid. When it comes to this type of program, most people focus only on their desire to help, contribute, learn etc. Although all these qualities are great, you shouldn’t make your motivation letter to them only. Instead, to make it stand out, do the opposite – compose a highly professional motivation letter that will STILL depict your positive characteristics.

The very first paragraph of the motivation letter should be similar to the beginning of an essay for paid position – introduce yourself as well as program wherein you want to participate.

The second paragraph should focus on your previous job experiences and accomplishments in both volunteers and paid positions. Your goal here is to show you are capable of performing tasks they might give you. But also, it’s important to demonstrate that you do understand the program and its challenges. Incorporating both paid and volunteer positions into the same paragraph is used for making a connection between the two. Both positions are similar and different at the same time.

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If you have achievements or important accomplishments, feel free to include them. Let’s say you worked for some financial company for a limited period of time and you were still voted an employee of the month. It’s an amazing achievement and could definitely bring you closer to the program, particularly if you apply for volunteering program in a field of finances and economy.

Once you complete the “professional” segment (work experiences + achievements etc.) it’s time to focus on your personality. Describe your attitude towards work and other people in a few sentences. Be precise and specific.

End the motivation letter stating the recipient should feel free to contact you for more info. Also, emphasize your availability and interest to become a part of the program. When you’re done, reread the motivation letter, correct all typos or grammatical mistakes and that’s it. The word count doesn’t really matter here, but don’t make it too long. In fact, 500 words should be a maximum.

If you are not sure about your ability to write a statement it is normal to ask professional writing service “ Help me write my personal statement “.

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Why Is Volunteering Important and What Can It Teach Me?

• Personal Development
• Volunteering

Published: 10 June 2021

Author: Greg Robson

When you think about it, volunteering helps out in all sorts of ways – not least benefiting life-changing causes around the world. And sparing some of your free time to make a difference can also give you a big boost when it comes to applying for certain higher education courses.

Continue reading (2 minutes)...

If you've been thinking of helping out in the local community lately, then consider this article as some extra encouragement. Below, we'll go into the benefits of volunteering, the skills you can learn from it and how to frame your experience on a course application, CV and at interview.

What are the Benefits of Volunteering?

For people looking to jump into further education, volunteering has plenty of benefits, many of which can make course applications and CVs stand out from the rest. Here's a selection of positive outcomes that volunteering can provide for you...

An Optimised Skill Set

Things like leadership, problem-solving and time management are all valuable, real-world skills that recruiters and hiring managers will appreciate on your application. Think of these attributes like strings to the bow you'll serenade them with.

By getting involved with your community, volunteering makes learning skills you can apply in the workplace more than possible. And you'll be improving the lives of other people too, so it's a real win-win.

Make Important Connections

Because non-profit organisations partner with other businesses, organisations and local community figures, volunteering is a great way to explore new paths. You're bound to come across all sorts of opportunities and meet plenty of volunteers who could put you in touch with the right people.

Non-profit professionals are usually pretty forthcoming with career advice too, so don't be afraid to ask them. And by making connections now, you never know when they'll come in useful later down the line.

Making a Change

The changes made by volunteering can be a big motivator for many volunteers. No matter how small they may be, the effects of your efforts are a great way to explore areas of certain sectors that help local communities.

Whether it's funding, staffing or communicating with local people, volunteering can get you thinking about the bigger picture too, providing an introduction to difficult topics like homelessness, educational disparity and supporting those in need, which may help inform your future career path.

What Skills Can Volunteering Provide?

As well as super-charging your existing skillset, volunteering can equip you with all sorts of valuable, actionable skills that you can put to good use in your further education journey and beyond. Take a look at what you could learn below...

Whether it's an admissions officer or a recruiter, evidence of strong leadership is a good look on any CV or application. There'll be times during your volunteering when you went above and beyond to help others.

Perhaps you demonstrated how to carry out a certain part of a particular task to your fellow volunteers. Congrats! You've just shown your leadership in action, so be sure to make mental or written notes of times like this for future applications.

Problem-solving and Adaptability

During your volunteering, you're bound to run into challenges and things you struggle with. Luckily, volunteer experience teaches you how to adapt to situations where not everything goes to plan.

Maybe you had to fill in for someone who was ill at a moment's notice? With a bit of creative thinking, talking things over with your team, you proved you can adapt to things when needs be.

Time Management

In further education, time management is as crucial as the course materials. You'll be balancing modules and deadlines while having a life outside of your studies too.

Volunteering is much the same – juggling your duties with everything else on your plate. Prioritising and figuring out the best way to get through your to-do list against a ticking clock will definitely stand you in good stead when you’re studying or working.

Communication

While volunteering, you'll meet a lot of people from different backgrounds. Some will be young. Some will be old. Some might not be native English speakers. That means your communication skills might be tested, but they'll be all the better for it.

In every company, in every field of work, strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. So, in leveraging your experience as a volunteer, you’re already one step closer to handing in a job-winning application.

Working as Part of a Team

With cultural differences and varying personalities to contend with, experience working as part of a team is appreciated by recruiters and admissions officers alike. Volunteering can provide you with a great opportunity to work with a variety of people you might not have spent much time with previously – helping to hone those all-important teamworking skills.

How to Display Your Volunteering Experience

After garnering some volunteering experience, we know you'll be eager to show off your new skills and achievements in the best way possible. So how can you make sure you're highlighting your experience on your application, CV and at interview?

We'll give you some top-notch tips below...

On University Course Applications

Hoping to go to university? Showing volunteering experience can boost your application, helping admissions officers take note.

A personal statement is where your voluntary work has a real chance to shine. Make sure you emphasise your new skills by tying them into applicable parts of your chosen course, demonstrating what you’ve learned and how it will contribute both now in the future.

• You've worked hard to achieve it, so if you have volunteering experience, then always put it on your resume
• If it's relevant to the job you're applying to, add volunteer work to your CV’s experience section
• Emphasise your experience by linking your new skills to what's required in the job specification
• If your experience isn't relevant (or you have lots of previous employment) then include voluntary work in a separate section
• Remember: even if you don't have a lot of conventional experience, volunteering still makes for a strong substitute and shows you're willing to get involved with local causes and communities

When You're at Interview

• Volunteering experience says a lot about your personality and core values, so don't be afraid to talk about it
• Use your experience as a way to highlight how committed you are to social responsibilities, as well as how motivated you are and the people skills you gained
• Don't forget, interviewers are looking to hear real-life examples of when you used your skills or where you picked them up. An internship or volunteering project is just as credible to these answers, so always have some actual examples to hand

Did you find this guide to volunteering and its benefits helpful? Great, we're glad to hear it! Whatever your goals and aspirations, our distance learning courses could help get you there. For more information or to browse our complete range of courses,  visit the homepage  or call our experienced learning advisers on 0121 630 3000.

6 Volunteer CV Examples [+ Template]

Volunteers are the unsung heroes of many organizations, selflessly dedicating their time and energy to serve others. Much like a volunteer's role, a CV is a tool of service, designed to present your skills, experiences, and dedication in the best light to potential employers. In this guide, we'll delve into volunteer CV examples that effectively showcase your altruistic spirit, adaptability, and commitment to making a difference.

CV Examples

Cv guidance.

• Essential Sections

Optional Sections

• Getting the CV Structure Right
• Formatting Your CV
• Personal Statements for Volunteer
• CV Experience
• CV Skills & Proficiencies
• How to Tailor Your CV to a Job
• FAQs about CVs
• Related CVs

CV Writing for Volunteers

• Detail Your Volunteer Experience : List your volunteer roles, the organizations you've worked with, and the duration of your service. Highlight any leadership roles or special responsibilities you've held.
• Showcase Your Impact : Quantify your contributions where possible, such as "Organized a fundraising event that raised $10,000 for local schools" or "Tutored 20 students, improving their grades by an average of 15%".
• Align Your CV with the Organization's Mission : Tailor your CV to the specific volunteer role you're applying for, emphasizing relevant experiences and skills that align with the organization's mission and values.
• Highlight Relevant Skills : Mention any skills you've gained through volunteering, such as event planning, fundraising, teaching, or crisis management. Also, include any relevant certifications or training.
• Emphasize Soft Skills : Volunteering often requires excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these in your volunteer roles.

The Smarter, Faster Way to Write Your CV

Volunteer CV Example

• Coordinated a team of 20 volunteers for a city-wide clean-up initiative, resulting in the collection and recycling of over 10 tons of waste, improving the city's cleanliness and environmental impact.
• Implemented a new volunteer recruitment strategy, increasing volunteer sign-ups by 30% and expanding the organization's capacity to serve the community.
• Developed and facilitated a training program for new volunteers, enhancing their understanding of the organization's mission and improving their effectiveness in their roles by 40%.
• Managed a fundraising campaign that raised over $50,000 for a local charity, exceeding the target by 25% and providing crucial support for the charity's programs.
• Organized a series of community outreach events, increasing public awareness of the organization's mission and resulting in a 20% increase in community engagement.
• Established a partnership with a local school, providing weekly volunteer-led educational workshops for students and enriching their learning experience.
• Provided weekly tutoring sessions for underprivileged children, improving their average grades by 15% and boosting their confidence in their academic abilities.
• Assisted in the organization of a charity run event, attracting over 500 participants and raising $20,000 for the charity.
• Initiated a food drive during the holiday season, collecting over 2,000 pounds of food for local food banks and supporting families in need.
• Team Coordination
• Volunteer Recruitment
• Training Program Development
• Fundraising
• Community Outreach
• Partnership Establishment
• Event Organization
• Charity Work
• Food Drive Coordination

Church Volunteer CV Example

• Coordinated and led a team of 10 volunteers in the church's community outreach program, resulting in a 30% increase in community participation in church activities.
• Implemented a new system for tracking and managing volunteer schedules, improving efficiency and reducing scheduling conflicts by 50%.
• Organized a successful fundraising event that raised $20,000 for church renovations, exceeding the target goal by 25%.
• Managed the church's youth group, implementing innovative activities that increased youth participation by 40%.
• Developed and executed a successful food drive initiative, collecting over 2,000 pounds of food for local food banks.
• Assisted in the planning and execution of weekly church services, improving the overall flow and efficiency of service by 20%.
• Volunteered in the church's Sunday school program, creating engaging lesson plans that increased student retention by 35%.
• Participated in the church's homeless outreach program, providing meals and support to over 100 individuals per week.
• Assisted in the organization of the church's annual charity event, raising over $10,000 for local charities.
• Team Leadership and Coordination
• Event Planning and Execution
• Fundraising and Donation Collection
• Volunteer Scheduling and Management
• Youth Group Management
• Lesson Planning and Instruction
• Service Planning and Coordination
• Charity Event Organization
• Homeless Outreach and Support

Community Involvement CV Example

• Orchestrated a community outreach program that increased local engagement by 35%, fostering a stronger relationship between the organization and the community.
• Implemented a volunteer recruitment strategy that boosted volunteer numbers by 50%, enhancing the organization's capacity to deliver community services.
• Developed and managed a community fundraising campaign that raised over $100,000, enabling the organization to expand its community services.
• Coordinated a series of community events that attracted over 500 participants, raising the organization's profile and strengthening community ties.
• Established partnerships with local businesses, securing $20,000 in sponsorship and in-kind support for community programs.
• Managed a team of 20 volunteers, providing training and support that resulted in a 30% increase in volunteer retention.
• Initiated a community survey that identified key areas of need, leading to the development of targeted programs that improved the lives of 200 community members.
• Organized a successful community clean-up event that involved over 100 volunteers, improving local environmental conditions and fostering community pride.
• Developed a community newsletter that reached over 1,000 households, improving communication and engagement within the community.
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• Volunteer Recruitment and Management
• Fundraising and Sponsorship Acquisition
• Event Planning and Coordination
• Partnership Development
• Team Leadership and Training
• Needs Assessment and Program Development
• Community Communication Strategies
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning and Implementation

Community Volunteer CV Example

• Orchestrated a community clean-up initiative, resulting in a 30% reduction in litter and a significant improvement in the local environment.
• Coordinated a successful fundraising event that raised $20,000 for local schools, directly impacting the educational resources available to over 500 students.
• Recruited and trained a team of 15 volunteers, increasing the organization's capacity to serve the community and enhancing the effectiveness of various outreach programs.
• Managed a food drive that provided meals for over 1,000 families during the holiday season, addressing food insecurity in the community.
• Implemented a mentorship program for at-risk youth, leading to a 20% decrease in juvenile delinquency rates within the community.
• Developed partnerships with local businesses, securing $10,000 in donations and in-kind contributions for community projects.
• Organized a community health fair that provided free screenings to over 500 residents, increasing awareness and early detection of common health issues.
• Initiated a neighborhood watch program, contributing to a 15% reduction in local crime rates and improving community safety.
• Facilitated a literacy program for adults, helping 50 participants improve their reading and writing skills, enhancing their job prospects and quality of life.
• Fundraising and Resource Mobilization
• Volunteer Recruitment and Training
• Program Development and Implementation
• Partnership Building and Stakeholder Management
• Public Health Promotion
• Crime Prevention and Community Safety
• Adult Education and Literacy Training

School Volunteer CV Example

• Coordinated and led a team of 10 volunteers in a school-wide literacy initiative, resulting in a 15% improvement in reading comprehension scores across all participating students.
• Implemented a new after-school tutoring program, providing academic support to over 50 students, leading to a 20% increase in overall grades.
• Organized a successful fundraising event that raised $10,000 for school supplies and technology upgrades, enhancing the learning environment for all students.
• Developed and facilitated a peer mentoring program, pairing 30 struggling students with high-achieving peers, resulting in improved academic performance and increased student confidence.
• Assisted in the creation of a school garden, teaching over 100 students about sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits, contributing to a healthier school community.
• Managed a team of 5 volunteers in the school library, improving the organization and accessibility of resources, and increasing student usage by 30%.
• Initiated a school-wide recycling program, educating over 200 students on the importance of environmental responsibility, and reducing the school's waste by 40%.
• Assisted in the planning and execution of a successful school field day, promoting physical fitness and teamwork among 150 students.
• Provided one-on-one tutoring to 10 students in math, leading to an average improvement of one grade level for each student.
• Fundraising and Event Planning
• Peer Mentoring and Tutoring
• Environmental Education and Sustainability
• Community Building and Engagement
• Academic Support and Tutoring
• Resource Management and Organization
• Health and Wellness Promotion
• Project Planning and Execution

Student Volunteer CV Example

• Coordinated a team of 10 student volunteers for a community clean-up project, resulting in the removal of 500 pounds of waste from local parks and green spaces.
• Implemented a new volunteer recruitment strategy that increased student participation in volunteer programs by 30% over a six-month period.
• Organized a successful fundraising event that raised $10,000 for a local charity, exceeding the target goal by 25%.
• Managed a peer tutoring program, coordinating schedules for 20 tutors and 50 students, leading to a 15% improvement in student grades in targeted subjects.
• Initiated a campus-wide recycling program, resulting in a 20% reduction in waste over a one-year period.
• Developed and delivered a presentation on the importance of volunteerism to 200 first-year students, resulting in a 10% increase in volunteer sign-ups.
• Volunteered at a local food bank, sorting and distributing food to over 100 families per week.
• Assisted in the planning and execution of a charity run, which attracted 500 participants and raised $5,000 for a local non-profit organization.
• Participated in a mentorship program, providing academic and personal support to a group of 5 first-year students, leading to their successful transition into university life.
• Program Management
• Environmental Stewardship
• Public Speaking
• Community Service
• Event Planning

CV Structure & Format for Volunteers

Essential cv sections for volunteers, getting your cv structure right.

• Logical Flow : Begin with a compelling personal statement, then proceed to your volunteer experience, ensuring a logical progression through the sections of your CV.
• Highlight Key Achievements Early : Make significant accomplishments stand out by placing them prominently within each section, especially in your volunteer experience.
• Use Reverse Chronological Order : List your roles starting with the most recent to immediately show your current level of responsibility and experience.
• Keep It Professional and Precise : Opt for a straightforward, professional layout and concise language that reflects the dedication volunteering demands.

Formatting Your Volunteer CV for Success

Formatting keys to success, highlighting relevant skills, emphasis on volunteer experience, optimal cv length, personal statements for volunteers, volunteer personal statement examples, how to write a statement that stands out, cv career history / work experience, volunteer career experience examples, how to make your career experience stand out, cv skills & proficiencies for volunteer cvs, cv skill examples for volunteers.

Technical Expertise

• Project Management : Proficiency in planning, organizing, and executing volunteer projects or events.
• First Aid & CPR Certification : Ability to provide immediate medical assistance in emergency situations.
• Proficiency in Foreign Languages : Skilled in communicating with diverse populations, particularly useful in international volunteer settings.
• IT Skills : Competence in using digital tools and platforms for data management, communication, and research.

Interpersonal & Collaboration Skills

• Teamwork & Collaboration : Ability to work effectively within a team, fostering a positive and productive environment.
• Communication Skills : Proficiency in conveying information clearly and effectively, crucial for coordinating with team members and interacting with diverse communities.
• Empathy & Cultural Sensitivity : Capacity to understand and respect diverse perspectives, fostering inclusive and respectful interactions.
• Adaptability & Resilience : Flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances and resilience in overcoming challenges.

Creating an Impactful Skills Section on Your CV

How to tailor your volunteer cv to a specific job.

Tailoring your CV to the target job opportunity should be your single most important focus when creating a CV.

Tailor Your CV to a Job Description

Emphasize Relevant Volunteer Experiences

Use keywords from the volunteer role description, highlight your soft skills, align your personal statement with the volunteer role, include relevant certifications and skills, cv faqs for volunteers, how long should volunteers make a cv, what's the best format for an volunteer cv, how does a volunteer cv differ from a resume, related cvs for volunteers.

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• Essay Database >
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Volunteering Personal Statements Samples For Students

29 samples of this type

During studying in college, you will certainly need to write a lot of Personal Statements on Volunteering. Lucky you if linking words together and organizing them into meaningful content comes naturally to you; if it's not the case, you can save the day by finding an already written Volunteering Personal Statement example and using it as a model to follow.

This is when you will certainly find WowEssays' free samples directory extremely helpful as it includes numerous expertly written works on most various Volunteering Personal Statements topics. Ideally, you should be able to find a piece that meets your criteria and use it as a template to compose your own Personal Statement. Alternatively, our expert essay writers can deliver you a unique Volunteering Personal Statement model crafted from scratch according to your custom instructions.

Free Nursing Unit Personal Statement Sample

Example of personal statement on there are many waves in the sea. but this one is mine, nursing school personal statement samples, personal statement.

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Why Medicine For Me Personal Statement Examples

Free personal statement on why medicine for me, doctoral student in pharmacy personal statement example, family medicine personal statement, personal statement on the road ahead, a life devoted to helping others: a sample personal statement for inspiration & mimicking, medicine personal statement samples, personal statement on physical therapist.

Providing this personal statement for admission into an academic institution with the caliber of challenges, opportunities, and focus offered by your organization constitutes a critical benchmark in my career goal of becoming a professional physical therapist. Both a passion for academic excellence combined with an extensive background in science underpins the scholastic and pragmatic foundation of what my admission to your institution offers to the expectations of the quality of learner you provide admission.

Joining the Medical Field Personal Statement Examples

Reflecting on my personal experiences, I appreciate the extensive impact of science in my life. I was born and brought up in Mekele in Ethiopia. The region was plagued by drought and civil war. As a result, people endured a lot of suffering and they strived to survive. Staying healthy was akin to a violent brawl. There was a shortage of doctors and medical supplies. A lot of people lost their lives, a fact that bothered me. Similarly, access to education in such an environment was almost impossible.

London School of Economics and Political Science Personal Statement Example

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As a teacher and educational practitioner, my philosophy for working with families and communities is grounded by three basic principles. The first is by instituting a connection between my student’s homes and our shared classroom. Second is the nurturing of family involvement with my classroom and school building. Finally, I work to make my school a true community learning center which all families can utilize both during and after school hours.

Home-School Connection

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How to Write a Personal Statement for a Scholarship + Examples

What’s covered:, what is the purpose of the scholarship personal statement, what to include in your personal statement, personal statement example: breakdown + analysis, how to make sure your writing is effective.

Either before or after you’ve gotten into your dream school, you’ll have to figure out how to pay for it. For most students, this involves a combination of financial aid, parent contributions, self-contributions, student loans, and scholarships/grants. Because scholarships are money out of someone else’s pocket that you never have to pay back, they are a great place to start!

Scholarships come in two forms: merit-based and need-based. Need-based scholarships are also often called grants. These designations tell you whether an organization looks at your financial situation when deciding about your scholarship.

Additionally, different scholarships fall under different categories based on the mission of the organization or person providing the scholarship’s financing. These missions typically emphasize different things like academic achievement, specific career goals, community service, leadership, family background, skill in the arts, or having overcome hardship. As you select scholarships to apply for and complete your applications, you should keep these missions in mind.

No matter what type of scholarship you are applying for, you will be asked to provide the review committee with standard materials. This includes your transcript, GPA, and resume/extracurriculars, but also, importantly, your personal statement. A scholarship personal statement is a bit different from your normal college essay, so we’ve put together this guide and some examples to help you get started!

The purpose of your personal statement is to help a review committee learn more about your personality, values, goals, and what makes you special. Ultimately, like with your college essays, you are trying to humanize your profile beyond your transcript, GPA, and test scores.

College essays all have one goal in mind (which is why you can apply to multiple schools at once through applications like the Common App or Coalition App): convince admissions officers that you would be a valuable addition to the university environment. The goal of your scholarship personal statement is different and differs more from one scholarship to the next. Rather than convincing various review committees that you are a generally good candidate for extra funding for college, you need to convince each review committee that your values have historically aligned with their organization’s mission and will continue to align with their organization’s mission.

Common missions amongst those who give scholarships include:

• Providing opportunities for students with career ambitions in a particular field
• Helping students who have experienced unexpected hardship
• Supporting students who show outstanding academic achievement
• Funding the arts through investing in young artists with strong technical skill
• Supporting the development of civic-minded community service leaders of the future
• Providing opportunities for historically underrepresented ethnic communities 

If a specific mission like this is outlined on an organization’s website or in the promotional material for its scholarship, the purpose of your personal statement is to show how you exemplify that mission.

Some scholarships ask for your personal statement to be guided by a prompt, while others leave things open for interpretation. When you are provided a prompt, it is obvious what you must do: answer the prompt. When you are not provided a prompt, you want to write a personal statement that is essentially a small-scale autobiography where you position yourself as a good investment. In either case, you should identify a focus or theme for what you are trying to say about yourself so that your application does not get lost in the shuffle.

Prompts include questions like:

• Why do you deserve this scholarship?
• How have you shown your commitment to (leadership/community service/diversity) in your community?
• When did you overcome adversity?
• Why is attending college important to you?

If you are provided a prompt, develop a theme for your response that showcases both your values and your achievements. This will help your essay feel focused and will subsequently help the review committee to remember which candidate you were as they deliberate.

Themes include things like:

• I deserve this community service scholarship because my compassion for intergenerational trauma has inspired me to volunteer with a local after-school program. I didn’t just sympathize. I did something about my sympathy because that’s the type of person I am. Within the program, I have identified avenues for improvement and worked alongside full-time staff to develop new strategies for increasing attendance.
• I overcame adversity when my mother had to have a major surgery two months after giving birth to my younger brother. I was just a kid but was thrown into a situation where I had to raise another kid. It was hard, but I’m the kind of person who tries to grow from hard times and, through my experience taking care of a baby, I learned the importance of listening to body language and nonverbal cues to understand the needs of others (baby and nonbaby, alike).

Without a prompt, clarity can be harder to achieve. That said, it is of the utmost importance that you find a focus. First, think about both your goals and your values.

Types of goals include:

• Career goals
• Goals for personal growth
• The type of friend you want to be
• The change you want to make in the world

Values could include:

• Authenticity
• And many more!

After you write out your goals/values, write out your achievements to see what goals/values you have “proof” of your commitment to. Your essay will ultimately be an exploration of your goal/value, what you have done about your goal/value in the past, and what you aspire to in the future.

You might be tempted to reflect on areas for improvement, but scholarships care about you living out your values. It is not enough to aspire to be exemplary in leadership, community service, or your academic field. For scholarships, you have to already be exemplary.

Finally, keep in mind that the review committee likely already has a copy of your extracurricular activities and involvement. Pick one or two accomplishments, then strive for depth, not breadth as you explore them.

My interest in the field of neuroscience began at a young age.  When I was twelve years old, my sister developed a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri following multiple concussions during a basketball game.  It took the doctors over six months to make a proper diagnosis, followed by three years of treatment before she recovered.  During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions.  Later, my love of neuroscience was amplified when my mother began to suffer from brain-related health issues.  My mother had been a practicing attorney in Dallas for over twenty years.  She was a determined litigator who relentlessly tried difficult cases that changed people’s lives.  Now, she suffers from a cognitive impairment and is no longer able to practice law.  Oftentimes, she has headaches, she gets “cloudy,” her executive functioning slows down, she feels overwhelmed, and she forgets things.  My mother has gone from being the strong, confident, emotional and financial caretaker of our family to needing significant help on a daily basis. Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.

Due to my experiences with my mother and sister when I was in middle school, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the field of neuroscience.  I also knew that, to obtain this goal, I needed to maintain superior grades in school while also pursuing opportunities outside of school to further my education.  In school, I was able to maintain superior grades to the point where I am currently valedictorian in a class of 567 students.  In addition, in school, I challenged myself by taking 16 Advanced Placement classes and 19 Honors classes.  Two of the most beneficial classes were AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research.  AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research are research-oriented classes where students are given the opportunity to pursue whatever track their research takes them down.  As a junior in AP Capstone Seminar, I researched the effects of harmful pesticide use on the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children.  This year, as a senior in AP Capstone Research, I am learning about the effects of medical marijuana on the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  

Outside of school, I furthered my education through taking advantage of the Duke TiP summer program. Duke TiP is a summer program run by Duke University where students who score extremely well on the SAT as middle schoolers are able to take college classes at different universities throughout the summers of their middle school and high school years.  I took advantage of this opportunity twice.  First, I went to Trinity University in San Antonio to expand my horizons and learn more about debate.  However, once I was done exploring, I decided I wanted to go into neuroscience.  This led me to take an Abnormal Psychology class at Duke University’s West Campus.  This class opened my eyes to the interaction between neuroscience and mental health, mental illness, and personality.  Years later, I am currently continuing my education outside of school as an intern at the University of Texas Dallas Center for Brain Health.  Through this internship, I have been able to see different aspects of neuroscience including brain pattern testing, virtual reality therapy, and longitudinal research studies.  With this background, I have positioned myself to be accepted by top neuroscience programs throughout the nation.  So far, I have been accepted to the neuroscience department of University of Southern California, the University of Virginia, the University of Texas, and Southern Methodist University, as well as the chemistry department at University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.  

It is with this passion for neuroscience driven by my family and passion for education driven by internal motivation that I will set out to conquer my career objectives.  My educational aspirations consist of acquiring a bachelor’s degree in a biological or health science that would assist me in pursuing a medical career as a neuroscience researcher.  I decided to attain a career as a researcher since my passion has always been assisting others and trying to improve their quality of life.  After obtaining my Masters and my PhD, I plan to become a professor at a prestigious university and continue performing lab research on cognitive disorders.  I am particularly interested in disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  In the lab, I hope to find different therapies and medications to help treat the 3.5 million people around the world suffering from ASD.  Furthermore, I want to contribute back to underserved populations that struggle because they do not have as much access to medical assistance as other privileged groups.  As such, I hope to do a part of my research in less developed or developing Spanish-speaking countries. This will also allow me to pursue my love of Spanish while pursuing my love of neuroscience.  I think that following such a career path will provide me the opportunity to learn about the medical needs of the autistic community and improve their quality of health.  Furthermore, I hope to train a new generation of students to strive to research and make comparable discoveries.  Whether it be through virtual reality labs or new drug discoveries, I believe that research leads to innovation which leads to a brighter future. 

This student does a great job of making themself appear competent and dedicated to the field of neuroscience. This is primarily because they provided tangible evidence of how they have pursued their dedication in the past—through their AP Capstone courses, their Abnormal Psychology class at Duke TiP, and their internship at UTD. There is no doubt in the mind of a reader that this student is high-achieving. 

This student also engages successfully with a past-future trajectory, where they end with a vision of how they will continue to use neuroscience in the future. This helps the review committee see what they are investing in and the ways that their money will go to good use.

This student has two major areas for improvement. As we have said, the purpose of a personal statement is for a student to humanize themself to a review committee. This student struggles to depict themself separately from their academic achievements. A solution to this would be for the student to establish a theme towards the beginning of their essay that relates to both their values as a human and their achievements.

At the beginning of the essay, the student explores how their interest in neuroscience began. They explain their interest through the following sentences: “During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions” and “Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.” The student made the great decision to tell the backstory of their interest, but they described their research in very mundane and redundant terms. Instead, they could have focused on their value of intellectual curiosity as a magnetic force that encouraged them to research their mother and sister’s ailments. Curiosity, then, could serve as a value-related thematic throughline to taking AP Capstone classes, taking college courses during the summer that weren’t required, and interning before even graduating high school.

A second area for improvement would be avoiding statistics. As the student identifies their valedictorian status and the number of AP classes they have taken, they might turn away certain personalities on a review committee by appearing braggy. Even further, these statistics are a waste of space. The review committee already has access to this information. These words distract from the major theme of the essay and would have been better used to humanize the student.

Throughout my academic career, I have been an avid scholar, constantly pushing myself towards ambitious goals. I held and continue to hold myself to a high standard, enrolling myself in rigorous curriculum, including Honors and Advanced Placement courses to stretch my mental potential. During my junior year of high school, I took four AP tests, two on the same day, and earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Additionally, I received the Letter of Commendation for the PSAT/NMSQT, and qualified for Rotary Top 100 Students both my freshman and senior year, a sign of my commitment to my studies. However, school has not been all about having the best GPA for me; beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem. I always give each class my best effort and try my hardest on every assignment. My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result. It is a major goal of mine to continue to aspire towards a high level of achievement regarding future educational and occupational endeavors; I plan on continuing this level of dedication throughout my educational career and implementing the skills I have learned and will learn into my college experience and beyond.

This fall, I will begin attending the University of California Los Angeles as an English major. I chose this major because I am fascinated by written language, especially its ability to convey powerful messages and emotions. I also enjoy delving into the works of other authors to analyze specific components of their writing to discover the meaning behind their words. In particular, I cannot wait to begin in-depth literary criticism and learn new stylistic techniques to add more depth to my writing. Furthermore, I recently went to UCLA’s Bruin Day, an event for incoming freshmen, where I was exposed to many different extracurriculars, some of which really piqued my interest. I plan on joining the Writing Success Program, where I can help students receive free writing help, and Mock Trial, where I can debate issues with peers in front of a real judge. The latter, combined with a strong writing background from my undergraduate English studies will be extremely beneficial because I plan to apply to law school after my undergraduate degree. As of now, my career goal is to become a civil rights lawyer, to stand up for those who are discriminated against and protect minority groups to proliferate equality.

As a lawyer, I wish to utilize legislation to ameliorate the plight of the millions of Americans who feel prejudice and help them receive equity in the workplace, society, and so on. Though this seems a daunting task, I feel that my work ethic and past experience will give me the jumpstart I need to establish myself as a successful lawyer and give a voice to those who are often unheard in today’s legal system. I have been a Girl Scout for over a decade and continually participate in community service for the homeless, elderly, veterans, and more. My most recent project was the Gold Award, which I conducted in the Fullerton School District. I facilitated over ten workshops where junior high students taught elementary pupils STEM principles such as density and aerodynamics via creative activities like building aluminum boats and paper airplanes. I also work at Kumon, a tutoring center, where I teach students to advance their academic success. I love my job, and helping students from local schools reach their potential fills me with much pride.

Both being a Girl Scout and working at Kumon have inspired me to help those in need, contributing significantly to my desire to become a lawyer and aid others. My extracurriculars have allowed me to gain a new perspective on both learning and teaching, and have solidified my will to help the less fortunate. In college, I hope to continue to gain knowledge and further develop my leadership skills, amassing qualities that will help me assist others. I plan to join multiple community service clubs, such as UCLA’s local outreach programs that directly aid residents of Los Angeles. I want to help my fellow pupils as well, and plan on volunteering at peer tutoring and peer editing programs on campus. After college, during my career, I want to use legal tactics to assist the underdog and take a chance on those who are often overlooked for opportunities. I wish to represent those that are scared to seek out help or cannot afford it. Rather than battling conflict with additional conflict, I want to implement peaceful but strong, efficient tactics that will help make my state, country, and eventually the world more welcoming to people of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. These goals are close to my heart and therefore I will be as diligent as I am passionate about them. My perseverance and love for learning and community service drive my ambition in both education and life as a whole, and the drive to make the world a better place is one that I will carry with me for my entire life.

This student emphasizes two values in this essay: hard work and community service. These are values that go together nicely, and definitely make sense with this student’s end goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer! That said, some changes could be made to the way the student presents their values that would make their personal statement more convincing and engaging.

Structurally, instead of using a past-future trajectory, this student starts by explaining their academic achievements, then explains their career goals, then explains their history of community service, then explains their future desires for community service. This structure loses the reader. Instead, the student should have started with either the past or the future. 

This could look like 1) identifying their career goals, 2) explaining that hard work and a commitment to community service are necessary to get there, and 3) explaining that they aren’t worried because of their past commitment to hard work and community service. Or it could look like 1) providing examples of their hard work and community service in the past, then 2) explaining how those values will help them achieve their career goals.

Additionally, like with our other example, this student shows a heavy investment in statistics and spouting off accomplishments. This can be unappealing. Unfortunately, even when the student recognizes that they are doing this, writing “beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem,” they continue on to cite their achievements, writing “My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result.” They say they are going beyond the numbers, but they don’t go beyond the awards. They don’t look inward. One way to fix this would be to make community service the theme around which the essay operates, supplementing with statistics in ways that advance the image of the student as dedicated to community service.

Finally, this student would be more successful if they varied their sentence structure. While a small-scale autobiography can be good, if organized, every sentence should not begin with ‘I.’ The essay still needs to be engaging or the review committee might stop reading.

Feedback is ultimately any writer’s best source of improvement! To get your personal statement edited for free, use our Peer Review Essay Tool . With this tool, other students can tell you if your scholarship essay is effective and help you improve your essay so that you can have the best chances of gaining those extra funds!

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Home » Resources » Voluntourism and the Personal Statement

Voluntourism and the Personal Statement

• By Blair Munhofen
• February 11, 2019

The “voluntourism” essay is something of an inside joke to college admissions officials.

These essays follow a similar pattern:

• student travels to a developing country
• student volunteers for a short period of time
• student realizes that others lack the privileges and resources student has
• finally, student commits to making others’ lives better

This kind of essay may well be rooted in real and meaningful experience. However, the prevalence and superficiality of these essays tends to put off admissions officers. While a good essay serves to differentiate a student from other applicants, a voluntourism essay may have the opposite effect.

Wait, what?

For many high school students, the notion that an essay about volunteering could potentially harm their application seems to totally contradict the advice from both high schools and colleges, both of which encourage and sometimes even require students to volunteer to graduate or gain admission.

So what’s the issue with voluntourism?

Let’s start with what voluntourism actually is: typically, it’s when a person, in this case a high school student, travels somewhere for both sightseeing and volunteering. The nature and length of the volunteering portion of the trip can vary considerably. Some voluntourism trips involve a few hours of service whereas others may include days or even weeks of volunteering.

The point is that not all voluntourism programs are created equal; not all programs genuinely help those in need. Truth be told, some programs are more concerned about those serving than those being served.

Take, for instance, this New York Times article , which describes American tourists spending thousands of dollars to travel to Haiti and construct a building while Haitian masons watched. The amount of money spent by the amateur builders could have been used elsewhere, like classroom or medical supplies. Or the masons could have been paid to do the work for which they were trained. One might argue that those who traveled to Haiti may be more likely to give—and give generously—to future causes there after seeing some of the country’s challenges firsthand. But the benefits of voluntourism for the people it is intended to serve is debatable.

The point here is not that voluntourism is inherently misguided; we think that with thoughtful planning or reflection, it can serve as a meaningful experience for students. Like other forms of service, voluntourism can facilitate the development of self-awareness and empathy; in fact, those are the kinds of skills that colleges hope students can bring to their campuses!

So, maybe you are signed up for a voluntourism program for a forthcoming school break or summer. Or perhaps you’ve already had a voluntourism experience. How can you make sure you have a meaningful experience, or are able to reflect on the experience you’ve had in a meaningful way?

As with all extracurriculars, it’s important to bring an open mind to this activity. Noticing your feelings and reactions to what you encounter, particularly anything that challenges you, is a goldmine of insight. You can learn a ton about yourself and what gets you going—as well as what brings on the boredom or discomfort. If you’re going on a trip, take a journal or keep a blog: do something that requires you to reflect on your experience. If you’ve already gone on a service trip, spend a morning or afternoon recounting what you did and saw, and then spend even more time considering why you remember what you remember, and why that may be important to you.

Though you might hesitate to center your college essay on your voluntourism program, you shouldn’t discount the experience you had. With intentional reflection, you can render the experience meaningful to you as well as others.

Looking for more tips on the personal statement? Check out Signet’s Guide to the Essay.

Blair Munhofen

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Volunteer CV example

Volunteering is a great way to give back, boost your skills, meet new people and broaden your horizons.

But to land a rewarding role, you’re going to need a compelling CV.

Your volunteer CV should highlight your enthusiasm, compassionate nature and relevant skill-set, all whilst being well-presented.

To help you land those job interviews, I’ve created this step-by-step writing guide, along with an example volunteer CV.

Guide contents

• Structuring and formatting your CV
• Writing your CV profile
• Detailing work experience
• Your education
• Skills required for your volunteer CV

CV templates 

Before you begin writing your own CV , take a look at the CV example above.

It should give you a good idea of how to display your skills and experience in a professional and visually-pleasing way.

Volunteer CV structure & format

The structure and format of your CV are equally as important as what you write on it.

Charities are busy places and often have limited resources, so they won’t have much spare time to read your CV.

So, to get in their good books, you need to make it as easy for them as possible to read and navigate through your application.

Formatting Tips

• As an unwritten rule, your CV shouldn’t be longer than 2 pages of A4 . Try to keep everything as short and succinct as you can.
• It’s generally best to keep the design of your CV simple. Stick to a plain colour scheme, such as black text on a white background, and use the same font throughout.
• Avoid long paragraphs and unbroken chunks of text. Break up your information by using plenty of bullet points, lists and columns.
• Ensure your CV is easy to navigate by clearly dividing the individual CV sections – using bold text for headings is a good way to do this.
• Send your CV off as a word document, attached to an email. Paste your cover letter into the body of the email.

Structuring your CV

Organise your information into the following CV sections:

• Contact details – Always start with your basic contact details.
• Profile – A short, punchy paragraph which sums up your skills, experience and other selling points.
• Work experience / Career history – List your volunteer and work experience, starting with your most recent role.
• Education –  Note down any qualifications, whether they’re academic or vocational.
• Interest and hobbies – An optional section, which you can use to discuss hobbies that display relevant skills.

We’ll go through each of these sections in more detail, so you know exactly what you need to  include in your CV.

CV Contact Details

If a charity wants to invite you in for an interview, they’ll need an easy way to contact you.

So, always start your CV with your basic contact details:

• Phone number  – Opt for a mobile phone that you take with you on-the-go.
• Email address  – Use a professional-sounding email address, with no nicknames – make a new one if you need to.
• Location – You don’t need to include your full address – your town or city will do.

Volunteer CV Profile

Next, you need to write a short, compelling and enthusiastic CV profile .

You should think of this as an introduction, which summarises why you’d make a great volunteer for the organisation you’re applying for.

Talk about any relevant experience you have, your skills, your qualifications and/or relevant training and why you’d like to help the charity.

As charity recruiters are often short on time, this might be all they read before deciding if you’d suit the role – so you really need to grab their attention!

Tips to consider when creating your profile:

• CV profiles should be succinct, with a length of around 5-10 lines. This gives just enough detail to show your suitability, whilst leaving the reader keen to find out more about you.
• Tailor your profile to the charity and role you’re applying to. Take a look over the role description to see what skills or personal attributes the organisation are looking for. Try to include these in your profile and throughout your CV.
• I’d normally recommend leaving motives and objectives for your cover letter, but volunteer roles are an exception. In your profile, briefly mention why you’d like to work for the charity, why you care about their cause and how you think you could help.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

What to include in your volunteer CV profile?

• Experience – If you have any previous volunteering experience, make sure to mention it. You can also mention non-volunteer work experience, especially if you can draw upon transferable skills which could be a benefit to the role you’re applying for.
• Skills or knowledge  – What skills are listed in the role description? If you can match them, include them in your profile. Otherwise, do some volunteer role research and figure out what skills charities are looking for.
• Qualifications  – There are normally no entry requirements for volunteer roles, but that’s not to say they won’t play to your advantage! Mention your highest qualifications, whether that’s a degree, A-Levels or GCSEs. If you’ve completed any fundraising or charity-related courses/training, make sure to highlight them, too.
• Motives  – Charities are looking for passionate and motivated team members, so briefly mention why you care about their cause and how you could help them reach their goals.
• Achievements –  Have you raised money for a charity, volunteered in an emergency situation or helped towards fundraising initiatives? Share your best charity results, achievements and accomplishments to prove to recruiters that you’re serious about giving back.

Core skills section

To add even more impact, create a bullet-pointed list of your key skills , to sit right underneath your CV profile.

As you did with your profile, try to match the skills listed in role requirements as closely as possible.

This will help busy charity recruiters to quickly and easily see what you could bring to the team.

Quick tip: Many charities have web pages dedicated to their volunteer roles, such as this one for  shop volunteers at Cancer Research . You might be able to find additional information, including their desired volunteer skills and characteristics, to include in your profile and core skills section.

Work experience/Career history

Starting with your most recent (or current) role/volunteer role, begin listing your work experience.

If you work in paid roles alongside volunteering , you might want to split your experience section up into a ‘volunteering experience’ and a ‘career history’ section.

However, charities will be most interested in your volunteering experience, so it’s best to prioritise space for them.

Never volunteered or worked for a charity before? That’s okay – just list your other work experience, making sure to highlight any transferable skills that could benefit you in the role you’re applying for.

Structuring your roles

Your CV needs to be easy to navigate, but your work experience section can easily become overwhelming.

Start with a summary of your role, the type of organisation you worked for and who you reported to.

“Volunteering for a busy high-street charity shop, I reported to the shop manager and was responsible for processing sales and providing excellent customer care to customers.”

Key responsibilities

Next, create a bullet-pointed list of your day-to-day duties and responsibilities.

• Ensuring the shop floor was kept in immaculate condition.
• Manning the till and processing cash and card transactions.
• Setting up seasonal window and promotional displays to maximise sales.

Key achievements

Round up the role description by sharing 1-3 stand out results, accomplishments or achievements .

• Organised a local charity event single-handedly, which raised over £5,000.
• Exceeded sales targets for 6-months running.
• Regularly volunteered to carry out street fundraising, which raised an average of £3,000 per month.

Next up is your education section. It’s here that you’ll discuss your qualifications and any relevant training or courses you’ve completed.

Don’t worry if you don’t have many qualifications. There’s no barrier to entry for volunteer roles – it’s the mindset that matters!

Just list your highest qualifications, along with the dates of study – for example, ‘ 10 GCSEs A-D’.

If have any vocational qualifications, such as First Aid training , make sure to include them, too.

Quick tip: If you’re volunteering for a skill-specific role as a graduate or professional, include your sector-specific qualifications here. For example, if you’re a marketing graduate volunteering to run a charity’s social media accounts, list your degree and discuss your social media module in detail.

Interests and hobbies

This CV section is completely optional, but it can be handy for volunteer roles.

If you have any interests or hobbies which are related to the role you’re applying for, then it’s well worth discussing them. For example, if you’re applying to volunteer at an animal shelter and have a blog about animals, it makes sense to note this on your CV, as it shows your passion for the sector.

Additionally, if you’re part of a sports team, play a musical instrument, are learning a language or have another creative pursuit, adding your hobby to your CV will show charities that you’re a committed, dedicated and driven individual.

However, generic hobbies like  ‘listening to music’  or  ‘going out with friends’ don’t say anything about you and should be left off your CV.

Essential skills and characteristics for your volunteer CV

As volunteer roles vary so widely, so do the skills that are required for the role. However, the following soft skills and characteristics a must for any charity CV:

Passion for the cause – Supporting the charity in question and having a clear passion for the cause.

Good communication  – Communicating with colleagues, customers and those needing support in a friendly, calm, reassuring and empathetic manner.

Teamwork  – Working well as part of a team.

Empathy  – Showing empathy, patience, consideration and a caring nature.

Fundraising  – Contributing to or building upon fundraising initiatives and strategies.

Writing your volunteer CV

Charities are always looking for passionate, kind-natured and driven individuals to volunteer to help their mission.

If you follow my CV guide, you’ll be able to create a CV that proves you have all these qualities and more.

Make sure to double-check your spelling and grammar before sending off your application.

Best of luck with your job search!

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• Discover Chemistry
• News Releases

Indicator of PFAS found in some — but not all — period products

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2023 — Period products come in a variety of styles — liners, pads, tampons, cups and underwear — to help people feel comfortable during a menstrual bleed. But their labels don’t usually list the ingredients, so consumers don’t know what’s in their product of choice. Now, researchers have analyzed over 100 period products for fluorinated compounds, an indicator of potentially harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Their results show that while PFAS are absent from many products, they might be accidentally or intentionally added to others.

The researchers will present their results on Sunday, Aug. 13, on the first day of the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS Fall 2023 is a hybrid meeting being held virtually and in-person Aug. 13–17, and features about 12,000 presentations on a wide range of science topics.

“Of course, you’re concerned for the wearer, but we’re also concerned about the ecological impact because PFAS are ‘forever chemicals,’” says Graham Peaslee, Ph.D., the principal investigator of the project. “Once these products are thrown away, they go to landfills and decay, releasing PFAS into groundwater. And we, or later generations, could end up inadvertently ingesting them.”

PFAS are a category of over 12,000 compounds that have stick-, stain- and water-resistant properties, which are desirable characteristics for some products. But because these compounds don’t break down easily in the environment or our bodies, they are persistent and bioaccumulative — hence the “forever chemical” moniker. Researchers have also linked exposure to PFAS with an increased risk of negative health outcomes, including some cancers and immune suppression.

Currently, there are few regulatory limits on including PFAS in textiles or period products in the U.S. or Europe. And when it comes to personal products like these, people are concerned about what goes into them, says Peaslee, which is why his research team at the University of Notre Dame started testing them for PFAS.

While it’s not known how much PFAS could pass from different materials through the skin, the team has found these compounds in firefighting gear, school uniforms and period underwear. And other researchers have detected PFAS in additional period products, such as tampons and pads. So, Alyssa Wicks, a graduate student in Peaslee’s lab who is presenting at the meeting, wanted to expand the analyses to a larger variety of period products that haven’t been widely tested, including the packaging for single-use tampons and pads, as well as reusable options, such as menstrual cups.

“Our first step was a screening that’s done quickly and simply,” says Wicks. “We determined if these products had organic fluorine as a surrogate for PFAS.” She cut out a small portion of each item and analyzed it in less than three minutes, using particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy.

Some pads and period underwear had multiple layers, which were sampled separately. For instance, some of the tested underwear products had as many as 10 layers, though the average was closer to four. Additionally, the researchers measured total fluorine in the single-use product’s wrappers. So far, Wicks has analyzed 123 period products sold in the U.S., 30 of which were different underwear, with this technique. She also plans to analyze similar products sold in Europe.

The results of these analyses suggest that some period products potentially include PFAS, but not all of them. “In general, tampons didn’t seem to contain fluorine,” says Wicks. “Same with menstrual cups and the layers of pads that come in contact with a person’s skin.”

Most surprising to the researchers was the presence of total fluorine in the wrappers for numerous pads and some tampons, as well as the outer layers of some of the period underwear. Some of the highest amounts measured were 1,000 to several thousand parts per million total fluorine. Because of those high concentrations, Wicks hypothesizes that PFAS might be used to keep moisture out of the wrappers so that the items inside remain dry. In addition, she suggests that adding these compounds to the outer layer of the period underwear would keep blood from escaping the inner layers and stop it from spreading onto a person’s clothing.

This initial work has allowed the researchers to home in on which period products likely have PFAS in them. Next, the team will analyze the samples that contained measurable amounts of fluorine specifically for 40 individual PFAS compounds.

In the meantime, the team notes it is interesting that some products tested in the study were actually free of fluorine. “It’s clear that PFAS are not essential,” concludes Peaslee. “Feminine products are essential, but the need for a fluorinated wrapper, or the need for a fluorinated layer, doesn’t seem to be, because plenty of them are made without relying on these compounds.”

The researchers acknowledge support to do independent research of societal impact from the University of Notre Dame.

A recorded media briefing on this topic will be posted today, Aug. 10,  www.acs.org/acsfall2023briefings .

For health and safety information for ACS Fall 2023, please visit the FAQ webpage .

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS’ mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people. The Society is a global leader in promoting excellence in science education and providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, eBooks and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News . ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a leader in scientific information solutions, its CAS division partners with global innovators to accelerate breakthroughs by curating, connecting and analyzing the world’s scientific knowledge. ACS’ main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive press releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org .

Note: ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies.

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