<p>I have to work a job during the summer and school year to help support my family therefore my grades, SATs, ECs, etc. aren't as good as they could be... so very plain and simply will colleges look at the work experience and go "hmm, this means nothing, we don't like poor bums" or "hmm, we'll give this kid a little bit of credit" or "wow, this kid did something useful" or somewhere in between?</p>
<p>What are your thoughts? </p>
<p>I feel like this really, unfairly disadvantages me for being low on the socio-economic scale (I'm around lower-middle class) and I feel like this may screw up everything...</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure colleges will take into account that you had to work a job to support your family, and that your grades/scores may have suffered because of it.</p>
<p>If you work many hours a week, colleges will definitely take that into consideration and maybe even look upon it admirably if you’ve gotten some sort of raise or promotion. Adcoms understand that not all families are rich and realize working to support one’s family may be as important for some as winning a debate tournament is for others. That said, do not think, “Oh, well I’m working, so that’s good enough.” Continue to do as much as you possibly can in academics and your other ECs. Good luck!</p>
<p>If you have very good academics but your family is middle/upper-middle class, does having a steady job make a difference? I tutor kids year-round for spending money cause I feel guilty getting an allowance in high school…</p>