<p>my family doesn't make much so i have to work a ton to pay for clothes, food, ap classes, etc.....therefore i dont have much time to volunteer and/or stack my ECs. Will colleges recognize this and cut me some slack or do i need to find a way to buckle down and try to volunteer even if it kills me?</p>
<p>My understanding is that working is considered an EC, and looked upon with favor because it demonstrates responsibility, commitment, etc . . .</p>
<p>thanks, that makes me feel a bit better. so would you say getting a tutoring job would look just as good as volunteering somewhere?</p>
<p>Yes, working can count as an EC.</p>
<p>Also if you have a rougher financial situation, colleges will usually cut you some slack from ECs. Admission officers, contrary to popular belief, are human, and will always take circumstances like these into account when going over admissions. :)</p>
<p>I think tutoring would look either as good or better than volunteering.</p>
<p>And in your essays, mention your need to balance school and volunteering/tutoring with having a job to pay for your own necessities. It will give admissions people a real insight into your work ethic. Good luck, though it sounds like you’re on your way.</p>