<p>So senior year is approaching and I'm wondering- should I get a job?</p>
<p>I want to apply for outside scholarships- but none of those are guaranteed. And a lot of them are non-renewable for all 4 years. Financial aid is going to be a really big deal for me- seeing as how my parents are set on me going in-state to UW and I'm set on going out-of-state elsewhere, specifically Scripps (if I get in hopefully). But I'm middle class, and I don't think I'll qualify for their merit scholarship.</p>
<p>But if I get a job, I can use some of that money towards college. The only problem is time- I have a lot on my plate with school and extracurricular activities, so I don't know how I could juggle it all compared to filling out a few applications.</p>
<p>And yeah, I could do both. But what should I focus on?</p>
<p>If you're looking for money I'd primarily focus on scholarships. For example, let's say you work 20 hours creating the perfect essay for a local (FOCUS ON LOCAL) scholarship that's worth $500. $500/20 hrs = $25/hr. That's pretty good for a high schooler's job, no? And, just because you're middle class does it mean you're completely ruled out for financial aid.</p>
<p>You shouldn't count on making more money via outside scholarships. That said, I agree that for the Fall you should plan to focus on that, your applications, and your classes. When winter rolls around and you have less on your plate, continue to look for outside scholarships and apply for some jobs. Working from January --> August should get you enough cash to pay for a lot of things you'll need, if not exactly make a dent in tuition! Then you can certainly get an on-campus job, work during break, etc.</p>
<p>I spent my senior year applying to every scholarship I qualified for. Since I didn't qualify for financial aid, I decided to focus on non-need based scholarships. I worked about an hour each night searching and applying and I ended up earning $16,000 in regional and local scholarships. I doubt I would have made that amount of money working for the same amount of time at minimum wage.</p>
<p>I was lucky, because my parents paid for gas and car insurance (under the understanding that I would drive my sister around whenever she needed) and when my mom bought a new car I received her old minivan. I don't do anything that really requires money- I rarely buy new clothes, I don't think the movies are entertaining enough to justify spending $10 each time, etc. For some people, opting out of a job just wouldn't be feasible. For me, it was more lucrative to search for scholarships.</p>
<p>In the same way, it's important to make yourself a good candidate for scholarships. In my opinion, if you don't have an outstanding hook, you should create one- start a charity. It's one thing to participate in a community service activity, but it's another thing to take the initiative and recruit other people to serve others as well.</p>