<p>I'm wondering if it's preferable for college applicants to have a job to put on their common applications. Is it really that necessary?</p>
<p>do SOMETHING. get a job, volunteer, take classes, get life experience!</p>
<p>I do volunteer and do things I enjoy, but there's a space on the common application that asks for previous employment experience. I was just wondering if leaving that blank would cause me to lose a massive edge against those that do have it.</p>
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I was just wondering if leaving that blank would cause me to lose a massive edge against those that do have it.
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<p>No. A lot of students applying to top schools don't have after school jobs. They may be involved in clubs or sports or other activities that are just as time-consuming. </p>
<p>Being able to balance a job with school indicates responsibility (and other skills, depending on what kind of job you have) , which can be demonstrated in other areas of your application.</p>
<p>I would say so. You're gonna have a job the rest of your life. It's good experience for working with random people and seeing how you interact and develop.</p>
<p>Clubs and volunteering are with similar people. Even if you are responsible, it doesn't show you're outgoing. Furthermore, handling a job is an adult task. So get a job over the summer, and get some life experience in that way.</p>
<p>A job is not necessarily important for college applications but it is very important if you want to work when you are older. If you apply for, say, a summer job when you are in college and you have previous work experience you will be looked upon more favorably than an applicant who has never worked before. I definitely recommend getting a job... I love working.</p>
<p>hey if i work for like 2 months in the summer, will colleges look at me as a person who just wants to fill up the blank spot on the application?</p>
<p>Work is good, but mainly in the summer or senior year second semester. These are the only "free times" that you have. The others should be focused on school and having fun.</p>
<p>well not really if you to pay for things like car insurance and gas, etc on your own. ^</p>
<p>sciencenerd, that might work if mommy and daddy give you an allowance.</p>
<p>I've been steadily employed since sophomore year. I'm done with high school now, but I was definitely able to hold a job AND do EC's (and I'm a theatre kid- that takes up so much time) AND keep my grades up. The two jobs I've had were talking points during my college interviews- because I get jobs that interest me. I used to work with children, and I currently work at a theatre- guess what I'm double majoring in? theatre and elementary education. Get a job that interests you; employers generally understand if you have to cut back to one or two shifts a week during school, so it is possible to be a smarty-pants and not have to beg your parents for money every time you want to see a movie.</p>
<p>You know life just got stranger when someone is trying to get a job just for "college applications". </p>
<p>I worked over the summer for a DS. Easy tutoring work.</p>
<p>A job is really only necessary if you need money or are lacking in EC's.</p>
<p>Here is the truth behind colleges looking at jobs: if you are going to sit around and do nothing all summer, get a job. If you are going to be volunteering or attending some summer program, it is not necessary.</p>
<p>Basically, getting a job shows colleges that you've used your time wisely. If you are already committed to other things, there is no need to get a job—unless, of course, you need the money.</p>
<p>@Gryphon5147: I agree. I just realized how stupid that sounds! I was just wondering because my counselor keeps "subtly" hinting that getting a job might be a good idea. She annoyed and worried me enough that I felt the need to ask on this forum. </p>
<p>I'm not really opposed to getting a job since it would give me more pocket money for me to spend, but my mommy and daddy do give me pocket money. I basically survive on my birthday and christmas money for the rest of the year :-P. I'll probably be getting a Nurse Aide certification during my school year and work during my senior year though.</p>
<p>working is great..it's like volunteering but you get PAID! haha. I basically do the same amount of hours for volunteering and my job but i've made tons from my job in like three months...so yeah.</p>
<p>also, if you feel like it'll be too much to do everything during the year, i'll give you an inspiring example: a girl was a competitive golfer (2 matches a week from 3-8, home at 9) acted in 2 plays (one with practices 9-11, and allnight practices, another on the other two days), worked a job, volunteered, etc, etc</p>
<p>If I were an admissions officer, looking at a kid holding a steady 25 hour/week job or something throughout high school would be one of the things that would impress me the most - it shows that you're mature enough to handle your own money, responsible enough to keep your act together, capable of dealing with people, etc etc. Like, there were some nights where I would leave school at 4, get to work at 5, and get home and one in the morning and THEN start homework several times a week...anyone who can handle that crap can handle college.</p>
<p>um, isnt it illegal to work to 1 in the morning, lol? Im not allowed to work past 10</p>
<p>@silentsailor wow. You are seriously impressive! I don't think many people can do what you do and still survive highschool! I don't think I can manage my time that well and still pass my classes at the same time. Homework usually takes me about 3 hours on really bad days but averages out at like 1 hr 15 min for me. I also don't think that my attention span would be good enough to last 5 hour workshifts either.</p>
<p>Like others have said, unless a job is necessary for financial reasons, your academics should always come first. If you try to take on too many ECs, volunteering, a job, etc, and your grades fall because of it, that's not good. And there is not a real difference between someone who works 15 hours a week and someone who puts in 15 hours a week as an athlete to colleges, because both people show commitment and dedication.</p>
<p>I completely agree with what everyone else is saying. Don't work just for the resume (although it could be helpful)... work for the EXPERIENCE and of course, the extra spending money!</p>