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I just graduated from college this month and intend to spend next year studying for the June (and possibly the September) LSAT.

During the past semester, I applied to a number of jobs but nothing really panned out. I intentionally sought part-time work because I wanted to devote a few months of near full-time study to the LSAT. Admittedly, I could've tried a lot harder with my job search but I did not.

Now, post-graduation, I have nothing lined up. Thankfully, I have no debt and I live at home with my parents, so I also have no expenses at the moment.

I figured that my best bet might be to volunteer with an organization. I know that this isn't real work experience but I figured it might be better than not doing anything. I also find volunteering to be spiritually rewarding which is always a plus.

Is volunteering a valid way to spend a gap year? Or am I better off continuing my search to find paid work?

Maybe look into an Americorps VISTA program. It's more organized than regular volunteering, plus you get a living allowance and educational stipend. There are a lot of great organizations you can work for through the program, and I don't think it's too competitive.

I volunteered right out of college and within a few weeks my supervisor hooked me up with a paying job. You never know!

Don't give up on finding a paying job. A year of volunteering part time sounds a little nutty unless it's through AmeriCorps or something.

Rigo wrote:Don't give up on finding a paying job. A year of volunteering part time sounds a little nutty unless it's through AmeriCorps or something.

Yeah, I'm definitely gonna keep sending in applications. I was just worried that the possibility of a few months of volunteering as I wait for something to pan out may be of concern to admissions officers.

preamble wrote:

Rigo wrote:Don't give up on finding a paying job. A year of volunteering part time sounds a little nutty unless it's through AmeriCorps or something.

Yeah, I'm definitely gonna keep sending in applications. I was just worried that the possibility of a few months of volunteering as I wait for something to pan out may be of concern to admissions officers.

Nah, do that. Hell, work at Chipotle for a few months if you’d rather have some cash.