<p>I've been working at Subway for almost five months now, but it's almost school. I'm a going to be a senior. I also want to volunteer more hours during my free time, at the library and such. In my college app, would five months of work experience make me look good, or should I work more?
P.S., I really only wanted to work at Subway for a little extra money.</p>
<p>that should be fine. In my opinion, as long as your doing something, whether it be working, volunteering, or some other ec, your fine</p>
<p>I also have another question:
What's more important, volunteering or work experience at a fast-food joint?</p>
<p>DEFINITELY volunteering. work experience is something admissions people love though because anyone can honestly go out there and volunteer their time. if you volunteer AND have a job, it looks amazing because you have experience with the realities of life. </p>
<p>for me it's easy because i am a tutor and it's a job because i get paid min wage. but im also a tutor elsewhere as a volunteer and i do a lot of other volunteer activities. but i'd say volunteering is more important. work experience def helps.</p>
<p>Neither are more important. Do want you want/need to do and don't package yourself based on what you think colleges would rather see.</p>
<p>^ I completely agree.</p>
<p>cassielam's ranking of voluntarism over work neglects the fact that many minors are required to work due to financial need. The adcoms know this and won't penalize the applicant.</p>
<p>Both are impressive. Some people have to work to support their families, but even if that's not the case, working still teaches fundamental responsibilities. Volunteering is also looked favorably upon, but not necessarily more so than work experience. Just because it's not paid doesn't make it more of a commitment. Do what makes you happy. It's not selfish to appreciate that paycheck every month (as paltry as it may seem after stupid taxes!).</p>
<p>do colleges actually ask for the amount of hours you worked per week? I had a summer job and worked into the school year but only one day a week...</p>
<p>cbadchica412 we saw some apps that asked about how much one worked.</p>
<p>To the OP, I think the msg here is less the choice between work and volunteering but why you would do either. Are you working for financial reasons (help save for college, help family, or to blow the money on having nice weekends)? Similarly, why are you volunteering (make your transcript look good, or you really want to help, and is it consistent with other your other behavior)?</p>
<p>agree with blackeyedsusan:
DO the one you like cuz neither is better. :)</p>