<p>What's good my friends! I have a question. My job pretty much requires me to work around 25 hours a week, and I was wondering if it's worth it because I could be using my time for my other EC stuff and studying. So, do you think the job is more important then more extra curricular work? Thanks</p>
<p>Bump. I just want a few pointers from people who have had these kinds of issues.</p>
<p>I think it depends where you are applying, and I don’t know specifically about Stanford. Most schools will take into account that it is necessary for some students to work, leaving little or no time for EC’s. You definitely need to include a statement that you are working out of necessity, and as a result do not have the EC’s. It should not hurt your chances.</p>
<p>depends on the job. Remember, anyone can work at mcdonald’s, but not everyone can be president of an ec</p>
<p>so obviously the latter is more impressive. Unless you’re doing a job that requires skill, I would say ec’s matter more. but that’s just my opinion</p>
<p>You guys are out to lunch! A job - even a no thinking fast food job - is very worthwhile. Contrary to previous poster, anyone can be president of Spanish club, Teens for world peace, whales, better lunches, students for recycling, etc., etc. Starting and being president of a minor club is nothing compared to holding down a job - any job - during school. I’m sure that schools would love to see that a student has been responsible, hardworking and in touch with real life. It also shows that said student will be able to work the required work/study job while keeping up studies in order to receive financial aid.</p>
<p>I agree 100% with saintfan!!! Having a job is huge for colleges. Having a job, especially if you have worked in the same place, year after year, shows that you are responsible, accountable, hardworking etc etc etc. To be honest being the president of a school club is a dime a dozen on the list of e.c.'s. </p>
<p>If you work because you need to support yourself you can use that for college essays. There are tons of life experiences that you gain from working and helping out your family. Honestly, don’t feel bad for a second, you are definitely better off. </p>
<p>Remember this: College’s look for kids that are unique. The majority of kids applying to schools are doing the typical ec’s, like spanish club, math club, science olympiad, model congress, newspaper and yearbook. So if you can make your job experiences stand out then so will you. </p>
<p>When supplemental essays ask you to describe a time in your life that you over came a difficult situation then maybe you can write about why you had to get a job and how that meant giving up things that most normal teens do. Then you can end it with how working has made you more worldly. And how you have touched others in ways that you couldn’t have done, by being in the Spanish club. </p>
<p>Good luck… You’re okay…</p>
<p>Jon Reider, Dean of Admissions at Stanford for 20 years, says that sometimes the applicant who needs to work and has an after school job instead of lots of extracurricular activities just comes across as more likeable in the admissions office as they compare applications.</p>
<p>Yup, I agree. Sometimes its better to be different</p>
<p>Thank you so much everyone! Having a job out of necessity really has taken a toll on my social life… But I know that sacrifices have to be made in order to succeed</p>
<p>Remember to use that when the time comes and you need to write about a hardship you have endured and overcome. You sound extremely well adjusted. You’ve had to make sacrifices but have managed to cope well. Thats says a lot about the person you are. That demonstrates your mental fortitude, loyalty to family, and the abilty to overcome obstacles. You are going to do very well, you’ll see… Keep me posted as time goes on. Life has handed you some lemons but you made lemonade, Way To Go…</p>