Is this a work experince or volunteer?

<p>I been working in my parent's restaurant to support our family since freshmen because of our financial issues. I worked there for about 20 to 35hours every week, but I didn't get pay. Also, I worked almost every position in the restaurant-dishwasher, cook, cashier, and etc. Now, I am not sure what to put on my application. Is it not a work experience since I did not get pay? Should I explain it in details in the Information Section?</p>

<p>I would say that is work experience because it helps your family and that indirectly benefits you. Volunteer is when it benefits other people.</p>

<p>would that help my admission chance any?</p>

<p>I think it would in this case. You are helping your family to earn a living right? Especially the part that you did not get paid. It depends on how you write your essay. Are you first generation? If yes, you have great chance.</p>

<p>not to highjack this thread but i'm in the same position...my brother went to college so that means i can't be first generation correct?</p>

<p>I think from my recollection, first generation refers to your parents not your brother because the application does not ask about siblings education but just your parents education.</p>

<p>awesome thank you parents! lols</p>

<p>Yes, first I am first generation and my parents know not a single English word. Should I write about this work experience or what I did as a president of a club for my essay? I wrote three already for QuestBridge- hurricane Katrina, my background, and passion for Physics. Writing an essay on community service or work experience would be better right?</p>

<p>Last year there is one student on CC who got into Harvard,Brown, Dartmouth, and a lot of top schools. She also first generation, worked in her family restaurant,so you have great chances. Get a book on how to write a good essay, I suggest Harry Bauld's book below
Amazon.com:</a> On Writing the College Application Essay: The Key to Acceptance and the College of your Choice: Harry Bauld: Books</p>

<p>It's not the subject, it's how you write it and make it interesting to catch adcoms interest.</p>

<p>i think writing about your work experience and helping your parents is a great essay.</p>

<p>thanks all!</p>

<p>^ el oh el irony</p>