<p>I am currently getting survivor benefits because my step-father is retired and I am in my senior year of high school at the age of 18. These benefits stop when I graduate high school. Due to these benefits, I cannot get a job, or these benefits will stop coming. ( So I figured I can focus on my studies instead). On my college applications, I realize that they would like to see that I have had a job, but do the benefits I haven't. Should I explain my situation to them or will it make things worse, and possibly make me seem lazy?</p>
<p>I have many colleges on the Common App and it asks to put additional information, should I put down that I receive benefits and cannot work or will they take that for granted and not accept me/give me aid (because we don't have much money either).</p>
<p>The benefit/work situation will not make any difference in your application (although it may affect your eligibility for financial aid). Don’t bother adding that information to the common app. Although work experience can help an application, the vast majority of high school students who apply for college are not working in paid positions during high school. </p>
<p>However, the fact that you lost a parent and how you have dealt with that situation might be something that adds to your application in a meaningful way, depending on the timing and circumstances.</p>
<p>Absolutely agree with niceday. A lot of times students assume that there is a right or wrong way to fill out an application (ie, need to complete an app a specific way), but the reality is that you want to create a unique story for yourself in a way that sets you apart from the rest.</p>