<p>I did some searching of the forums, but couldn't really find a thread that answered my questions. Does a part-time job have any impact on college admissions? I'm sure it means something, but does it really matter? I worked 25-30 hours a week, leaving me little time for other extracurriculars and volunteering and all of that stuff people pad their applications with. I have a pretty much perfect GPA, except for a couple of A-'s freshman year. I went to the State University my entire junior year, earned a 4.0 on a total of 15 credits. I plan on doing the same senior year. My school doesn't really send many kids to top-tier schools. In fact, I don't know if I even want to go to a top-tier school, I'd probably rather try for merit-aid at a cheaper school.. but I'd still like to know what you guys think of this type of situation.</p>
<p>My only real ECs now are NHS(non-leadership position) and my job. I have pretty nice test scores, not perfect or anything, but very good. Will my application be looked down upon because I don't do anything really special outside of school?</p>
<p>EDIT: By the way, I am a female interested in either biomedical engineering or something pre-med so I can become an endocrinologist. I played sports earlier in high school (9th grade and like every year before that) but had to quit because of surgeries and a medical condition. I plan on writing my essay about this situation, kind of why I strive to be in one of those professions.</p>
<p>matok: schools that consider ECs know the fact that many, many families in the US don’t have the luxury of sending their kids to hockey clubs, lab research internships or drama club at school every night. Many kids MUST work an outside job or care for an elderly relative or younger sibs while mom works second shift.</p>
<p>Colleges realize that in this very important group can be found gems that would add significantly to their campus community. </p>
<p>Congrats on your academic achievement. I’d say you are well likely to be accepted at several competitive colleges. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>^^colleges respect students who work and usually ask for a ballpark figure of your hours so they get an idea. as long as you put you explain how much of your time your job takes they’ll understand. also if you have “adult” things that your money goes toward (paying your own gas, helping rents with bills) that looks great too</p>
<p>" I worked 25-30 hours a week, leaving me little time for other extracurriculars and volunteering and all of that stuff people pad their applications with. I have a pretty much perfect GPA, except for a couple of A-'s freshman year. I went to the State University my entire junior year, earned a 4.0 on a total of 15 credits. I plan on doing the same senior year. My school doesn’t really send many kids to top-tier schools."</p>
<p>You’ve got the grades that would put you into contention for a top tier school (Do remember that no one is a lock for such schools), and if you have at least an 1800 SAT I, plus you will need to take 2-3 SAT IIs depending on the school), you’ll have a shot at such a school. Places like HPY have the most generous need-based financial aid in the country. Your working 25-30 hours a week would be regarded by them as a strong EC reflecting a strong work ethic and maturity. If you also needed to work to help your family, that will make you stand out even more in their admissions pool. You might want to have your employer submit a supplementary letter of recommendation if the colleges you apply to allow that.</p>