So I was just inducted into my school’s NHS, and they publish a list of available tutors each year. Because I have taken a lot of courses most students have not completed before the start of senior year, I have had several parents emailing me asking if I could tutor their kids in those classes. They are all offering between $20 to $30 an hour, but the thing is, I don’t know if I should take the money or say I tutor because it is my NHS duty to help other kids without compensation blah blah.
I’d love to get paid for my work, but I’m thinking that colleges look upon offering your services for free favorably and as a sign of community service/generosity. I’m sure they do, but more favorably than getting paid? Doesn’t that mean that you have services people covet and are willing to pay for? Basically the question is would tutoring look better on the Common App under work experience or community service. Thanks!
You’re overthinking this. If you want the money, take the money. Colleges aren’t going to be impressed by the perceived “selflessness” of turning down $30/hr.
Thanks for your input. I forgot to mention that I have around 250 volunteering hours already, and I won’t have any paid job experience to put under the Common App’s work experience if I choose to not be paid for my tutoring. Since that section would otherwise be blank, wouldn’t it be better to be paid?
Definitely don’t overthink this. If someone is offering to pay you, there’s nothing wrong with accepting the cash. A few friends of mine actually supported themselves after college by tutoring while pursuing their dreams (dreams that do not pay well until you are quite successful!)… can’t ever hurt to get tutoring experience, and you might find yourself more inclined to stay with it if you are paid to do it!