<p>Is working at McDonald's a rarity for someone planning to apply to Ivy League Schools?</p>
<p>Because I'm a sophomore (15), and no other jobs are available. Does an internship look better than a commitment to work? (even if it is menial)</p>
<p>Basically, does working at McDonald's make you look stupid, or does it show that you can balance a job with school/extracurrics and that you're not a normal upper-middle class kid?</p>
<p>You're going to work at McDonald's to get a better shot at any Ivy???</p>
<p><em>shakes head</em></p>
<p>What has the world come to?</p>
<p>If you are middle teens and want to make money, work at McDonalds. Just don't put it on a resume/college application.</p>
<p>Nobody in the admissions commitee has to know that you worked at McDonalds. There's nothing wrong with working there.</p>
<p>what's wrong with that? if you can get a better job or internship when you're older (cuz you already have work experience), you can list that on your college app. but it's nice to list mcdonalds at the bottom of your work experience list to show how independent you've been since you were 15.</p>
<p>I agree, there is nothing wrong with listing McDonalds to show you're responsible and earn your own money instead of mooching off your parents.</p>
<p>It shouldn't be your hook, or a major highlight but it's something to add. Anyway, it's a good stepping stone to better jobs.</p>
<p>I worked at McDonald's last Summer. I put it on my college app, and I"ll be going to an ivy league school this Fall. There's nothing wrong with McDonald's, except it sucks if you're cooking the meat.</p>
<p>sounds nice! how can i get a job in mcdonald's?</p>
<p>There's nothing wrong with working at McDonalds. If you need the money, then go for it. You should go to a local McDonalds and ask for an application. Since you are only 15, you may have a little difficulty getting a job.</p>
<p>I was a dishwasher and got accepted into an Ivy League. Is dishwasher a lower position in society than a fast food worker? I don't know, but it worked good for me since I didn't want to work in fast food. The dishwashing sure did build up my immune system and gave me some ripped muscles.</p>
<p>hahaha, that's so funny dishwasher, i like ur idea, which ivy league r u in?</p>
<p>I'm just guessing Penn due to the fact that he listed PA as location, but I'm probably wrong anyways.</p>
<p>I went to Cornell for two years, but I couldn't hack it. Very weird time. I've told the story before on CC and don't feel like typing it again. I've transferred and I'm doing much better now....except for the raping that me and many of my classmates went through with a final exam today. But with the topic at hand, retail and restaurant jobs are okay for high school students. However, ever since I started college I stayed away from those jobs and only do internships in my field (mechanical engineering). If I need something part-time on the side while in school, that is different. Summers are reserved for internships. Some of my classmates co-op with engineering companies during the semester and carry full engineering loads but I'd rather use that time to focus on schoolwork.</p>
<p>Do it! Unlike what some of the comments said, working at McDonald's (in lieu of <b>anything</b> better, of course) can only help you.</p>
<p>You're completely wrong. Ivies only accept students who worked at Wendy's during high school.</p>
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You're completely wrong. Ivies only accept students who worked at Wendy's during high school.
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<p>lol....</p>
<p>I made a vow since I was younger to never work at mcdonald's... nothing personal, I love mcdonalds, but I hear after you work there you wont like the food anymore. I would work in taco bell instead. lol.</p>
<p>Do it! Think of how many applications the ivies get from prep school kids who probably don't have to work, and if you're applying, with good stats and ECs and this job . . .
h e l l, work your way up and be a manager!</p>
<p>I hear McDonald's is a perfect example of good teamwork. If you can use that description to your advantage as to how you benefited from this job, then it can definately be ++. :)</p>
<p>I'd work wherever you want to. Don't hesitate to put in on a resume. There's nothing wrong with a humble job in fastfood, a restaurant, retail, etc. </p>
<p>If you're interested in doing something that shows interest in your field of study, do an internship or volunteer as well. </p>
<p>I'll be a freshman at Rice University in the fall, and I'm a sales associate at a retail store and I have a non-paid internship at a non-profit organization.</p>
<p>If I were an admissions director, I'd be a lot more impressed with someone who worked all year at McDonald's than with someone who paid for an expensive summer program at an Ivy and never had a job. There is nothing wrong with taking classes in the summer, but for me personally, I think dedication to a menial job at 15 shows a lot of character and independence. In fact, if I saw that on an app, I would instantly take a liking to the person.</p>