<p>Because I've had to work for my parents throughout my high school years, I lack the extracurriculars that the "perfect" applicant has. I mainly have 1 EC that I've put commitment into, simply because I haven't had the time to juggle more than that. I will state on my application that my job has gotten in the way, but will adcoms recognize it and put it into context?</p>
<p>Excuse? Work is an EC. It hasn't gotten in the way -- it's taught you experience. Don't diminish it. Any adcom worth his salt knows this and WILL put it in the correct context. Working 12 hrs/wk at Burger King is better than being in some lame club. And the Adcoms know this.</p>
<p>Work to help make ends meet, caring for siblings while single mom works, caring for infirm relatives -- not everyone has a so-called "perfect" situation.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>^^ completely agreed. I have learned more from being a summer camp counselor, taking care of 30 slobbering kids for fifty hours every week for the past four years than any class has ever taught me. And I definitely explained that in my honors college essay. That essay got me in, considering my not-so-amazing GPA and test scores.</p>
<p>Definitely. They're very understanding about context. This might even prove somewhat of an advantage -- you've overcome adversity and whatnot.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies guys. I've worked 25 hours a week all year around (so I've had to do school work too) for nearly 6 years for my parents and my best EC outside of work is a volunteer job at a library.... which sucks. Although I've put nearly 100+ hours into that, I'm still aiming at the top schools. I just hope it doesn't completely kill me.</p>
<p>Also, should I be clear to note it on the app? I've already put it under the Work Experience Section and indicated the # of hours, but should I make an effort to say it again somewhere else on my app? I plan on writing about my Volunteer job in the Short Answer section and not my job, although I want to emphasize both.</p>
<p>Definitely be clear about it.</p>
<p>Make sure they clearly understand your situation.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Because I've had to work for my parents throughout my high school years, I lack the extracurriculars that the "perfect" applicant has. I mainly have 1 EC that I've put commitment into, simply because I haven't had the time to juggle more than that. I will state on my application that my job has gotten in the way, but will adcoms recognize it and put it into context?
[/quote]
It won't be as favorable as those kids were won siemens westinghouse, intel awards, RSI, TASP, or USAMO things...</p>
<p>You might consider state in your app that you as the eldest son ( or even 2nd eldest) is expected to help the family business in your culture. With it you are gaining invaluable experiences such as ( ....fill in.... ).</p>