Hello; I’m a senior applying to colleges in the fall. I’m lucky enough that my family doesn’t have to worry about money. During high school, a lot of the time I spent was on ECs and academics. I make a lot of art for people, and Student Government has also taken a decent chunk of my time weekly. Because of this, I don’t think I could’ve managed a job during the school year.
The summers are usually options for most people, but I have a different situation: over the summers, I live in a completely different place in the country with my mom and stepdad (it’s the only time I really get to see them), and we travel every summer (sometimes internationally) to visit family. However, I did get to volunteer over the summer for a few weeks before traveling again.
TL;DR: I have no work experience, but my situation is kind of unique in regards to summers–still, will this hurt me? Thanks!
Do you ever sell your art? I think that could help and count as “paid work” in the activities section of the common ap. Your profile does sound a bit privileged which is a huge red mark these days. Highlight all the good you’ve done and given that it appears you are full pay and can afford it, you’ll probably have lots of options. (you didn’t disclose scores and GPA but I’m assuming they are strong)
I have been commissioned for my art; some of it was just “online currency” (not sure if that counts), while some of it was real currency. I’m not sure if it’s significant enough to list, though. I do discuss my art as an EC. As for volunteering, I’ve done about 140 hours.
Yes, I am lucky in that I have four parents. We can afford full pay.
Don’t worry about what you haven’t done as that can’t be changed. Instead focus on creating the strongest possible application that highlights the things that you HAVE done.
The privileged comment previously made has me a little concerned. Though we are well off financially, my stepmom/dad never hired any tutors or sent me to prestigious summer camps (all they spent on me summer-wise was for travel to see my stepdad/mom). Also, I go to a fairly underfunded public high school in the Midwest. Our ranking is pretty low, but I still appreciate our school and the people there. I don’t wish to come across as spoiled or selfish, because I am truly grateful for the fact that I was given the opportunity to learn at all. Maybe I’m worrying too much.
