Does AmeriCorps Look Good For Grad School?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Going to graduate school is a big decision. Just to get the chance to even be considered for a school requires months of hard work and preparation. Choosing to work for a year with AmeriCorps VISTA allows

you to build your skills, knowledge, and expertise

to be a competitive candidate for grad school.

How do you list AmeriCorps on a resume?

For the resume, it’s a good idea to include

both your title or role within your host organization as

well as the name of your service corps program. For example: “Instructor of College English – Peace Corps Volunteer,” or “Volunteer Coordinator – AmeriCorps Member.”

Does AmeriCorps look good on resume?

If you make a good impression during your term, you’ll have a major leg up compared to other graduates. I can personally attest that

having AmeriCorps on your resume sets you apart

. Committing to a term of service speaks highly of your character. It is something many employers will recognize, appreciate, and seek out.

Is it worth working for AmeriCorps?

Professional skills gained. AmeriCorps helped me gain a lot of new skills to put on my resume. It is a great experience for recent college graduates or people looking to switch careers. The work can become tedious, but you are affecting a lot of people so it is

worth it

.

Is AmeriCorps good on a resume Reddit?

You’ll have a ton of experiences to share. I will say that it is a huge commitment and the stipend life is tough. In my opinion, it was

definitely rewarding overall

, and my experience definitely paid off, but my field is also directly related to my experience serving which helps.

How competitive are AmeriCorps positions?

It really varies. The AmeriCorps program that I did matched

~25% of applicants —

but it was in a large city and provided housing, which made it more desirable. On the other hand, a placement in the rural midwest or south, e.g., would be less competitive.

Can you quit AmeriCorps?


Accept the member’s resignation from the AmeriCorps VISTA program

; In some instances, such an early termination from the AmeriCorps VISTA program would be for a non-cause reason. There are no 45 CFR Part 2556 appeal rights for early termination for lack of suitable assignment.

Does AmeriCorps count as work experience?


AmeriCorps members are not employees of the AmeriCorps program

or of the federal government.

What are the benefits of joining AmeriCorps?

  • Living allowance. Receive a modest living allowance to cover basic expenses during your service term.
  • Money for college and trade school. …
  • Loan deferment and interest forbearance. …
  • Professional development. …
  • Alumni network.

Is AmeriCorps a federal job?

Keep in mind as a returned Peace Corps or AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer,

you are not considered a federal employee

. You may submit your Description of Service instead of a Standard Form-50 (SF-50). This noncompetitive eligibility does not guarantee you a position in the federal government.

What is the age limit to join AmeriCorps?

The minimum age requirement for most AmeriCorps programs is

18

. However, some accept applications from 16-17-year-olds. While a few programs are designed specifically for young adults, the majority of our programs have no upper age limit.

What is the acceptance rate for AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps currently receives more than 530,000 applications for just over 80,000 spots, a

15 percent acceptance rate

.

Can you end AmeriCorps early?


You can leave AmeriCorps VISTA early if you accept a job offer

. By doing so, you forfeit all benefits including your stipend, the Segal Education Award, and Federal Non-Competitive Eligibility.

What happens if I leave AmeriCorps early?

What happens if I don’t complete the program? Members who leave the program voluntarily or are released from service due to performance issues and have not completed the

minimum number of require service hours will forfeit their education award and interest accrual payment benefits

.

How long does it take to hear back from AmeriCorps?

It took

about 1-2 weeks

for them to hear back.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.