I’m not sure where to put this since it applies to admissions and scholarships, therefore I apologize if I place this in the wrong area.
I am currently a student that is attending community college and I am curious as to know whether or not I should put my “under the table” paying job onto my college’s scholarship application,
I have been working this job ever since I graduated high school, and so far it is my only extracurricular since I work several times a week (I don’t have the time in my schedule for me to join clubs or volunteer since I’m working whenever I’m free).
I would put the extracurricular onto it, but the problem lies in the fact that I am an international student (I have a visa). Therefore, if I do put it onto my application, I fear that the committee that reviews it will be suspicious of the fact that a non citizen is working and I would get in very BIG trouble.
I know that my high GPA will put me in a favorable position to win a couple scholarships, but I fear that my lack of extracurricular activities will bring down my chances…
Should I put down on my application that I have a job or just not put it down at all?
Also (for future references), should I put this job onto my transfer application?
(I know that a lot of you will be upset with the fact that I am working for “under the table” payment, but I can’t help it due to my family’s financial situation. I originally wouldn’t even be attending C.C. if my relative hadn’t offered to pay for my first semester since my parents couldn’t even afford that. The job that I have really helps my parents out with their financial situation and also gives me the chance to continue my college education.)
Working under the table should not be done. I hope you understand that this income is supposed to be reported if you apply for aid. Your school might want verification of that income.
You were aware of the responses you would get here when you posted. Depending on what kind of visa you have, what you are doing may be illegal on more than one front. Doesn’t matter how you rationalize it. It is nice that you are helping yourself/your family by working, but you should do it legally- above board.
I am guessing you may consider listing it as a volunteer experience, but that would be dishonest too.
OP, do you have an E-2 visa, as you noted last year? Last year, you stated that your parents could pay $10,000 - $15,000 per year for college. Is that not true anymore? Isn’t your community college cheaper than that?
There is a way to pay taxes even if you are undocumented. Failure to pay taxes is a crime, and it may affect your ability to eventually get legal status. This shouldn’t be too hard to rectify.
