I really need a job this summer to help out with family and pay for things but I know volunteering looks super good on applications. I can’t do both because of time management & I have other things going on and I was wondering how much of a difference it would make if I got a job instead of volunteering
It is fine. The Common App is now designed so that jobs, clubs, volunteering, etc. are all reported in the same section and given equal weight. Colleges do recognize that many students need to hold jobs.
If you learn something interesting about yourself while doing the job, it might even make a good essay.
Agree, a job will be just as well regarded. No worries.
A job is an EC by definition.
Agree with above - a job is definitely an EC! If you want to volunteer occasionally, you can do that too in addition to a job. Doesn’t have to be one or the other. I did both in high school.
Right, depending on the college, it’s not either/or. A number of colleges want to see the range of your choices.