Which strategy would be the most favorable when applying to CS programs? My S has spent his high school junior summer doing paid software work for a company that will categorize it either an internship or part-time employment. Any advice about which has more weight?
There is such thing as a paid internship. However, I would classify it as a part time job. An internship implies someone is learning, a job implies he already has the skillset and is being paid to use it. That’s just my opinion. Most likely any college will view them as pretty much the same for admissions purposes.
I agree, it sounds more like a job, and there’s nothing wrong with being valuable enough in high school to be worth paying. I’d give the edge to calling it a job. Additionally, he may want a recommendation from them. I think the fact that my son worked from junior year on at the same job - longer hours in the summer shorter during the school year - along with a recommendation from them that showed he could be a team player and was a fast learner was very valuable when he was applying to CS programs.
Thanks! Do employers’ recommendations have any place in the college application process?
I would only submit one from an employer if the college permits and welcomes it. Some colleges are very particular both in the number and who writes them (e.g. “teachers only”, “one STEM teacher, one humanities teacher”, etc.), others are more lenient. You have to read the admissions requirements on the web pages of each college to which your student would like to apply.