<p>Does having a job increase your chances when applying for college? Is it better than taking summer school? If it does improve your chances, by how much? Thanks.</p>
<p>It’s not one of those make or break things, but it’s something that if it comes down between you and a similarly qualified applicant, they’ll look at it to see what sets you apart. If you work lots of places for a few weeks at a time, it likely comes across as indecisive, not dedicated, and an inability to satisfy the requirements of said jobs. It’s not so much the fact you have a job, but you’re able to work with people, listen to a boss, be punctual and cordial enough not to get yourself fired, have a good work ethic, etc. (All things you can also show by volunteering, and it’s flexible enough for you to take your summer school classes if you really want to. And also, depends what kind of summer school. If it’s a summer school at your choice college, it’ll help you in the future.)</p>