Many students are interested in what is meant by community service in business school applications. I give the usual Hjort caveats on community service
1) Make certain that your interest in these programs is genuine. Opportunistic participation in community service programs will often be obvious to experienced admissions officers and a waste of time.
2) Remember that you are a candidate for business school not for canonization. I have read some community service statements for students that sounded so excessive and even self-congratulatory that it seemed they had dedicated every waking hour to acts of charity (and then recording their great deeds for the benefit of admissions officers).
3) Participate in organizations that truly interest you and to which you can make meaningful contributions. If you are gifted in tax, volunteering for programs that help low income individuals complete their tax return is a perfectly valid volunteer activity.
4) By all means volunteer and help your fellow humanity! Ask yourself a simple test- do you honestly expect to continue working for this charity when you are done with your applications? If you are unsure, you should evaluate your motives carefully. Volunteering is a great thing -just make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons rather than a crass stepping stone to personal wealth.
These links might help:
Arizona State
"Other applicant characteristics of interest to the Committee include public and community service, activities and recognitions; military service; travel experiences; undergraduate extracurricular activities, hobbies, or special aptitudes; and any other indicators of motivation and character."
https://wpcarey.asu.edu/mba/ft/ft_q_a.cfm
University of Michigan
"Background, maturity, interpersonal skills, initiative and leadership as indicated by work experience, activities and community service,
recommendations, essays, and the interview"
https://www.bus.umich.edu/Admissions/Mba/Criteria/
Michigan State
"Background, development, growth potential, maturity, motivation, and leadership as indicated by employment history, record of activities, community service, and letters of recommendation."
https://mba1.bus.msu.edu/admissions/appl ... ctions.cfm
NYU
https://www.businessweek.com/bschools/bs ... sqna13.htm
Washington University
https://www.businessweek.com/bschools/co ... 5_5975.htm