I’ve worked as a babysitter for the past four years, but obviously literally anybody could write that down to pad their resume. Should I even bother including it?
Also, I’m soon to be CPR certified and maybe working as a lifeguard. Should I include this even if I start right before apps are due??
Also, I’ve tutored a couple of kids. If I list babysitting, should I include this as well?
I listed two of those (baysitting and tutoring) on every college application I filled out, with no hesitation and no shame.
I listed some of the duties, and I let them know this was how I invested my time and energy.
Claim them.
If there is space to list your aspirations, list (for the immediate) lifeguard, and definitely list your CPR certification.
Your application, at its fullest, will reflect where you have placed your time, and who you are. I think the items you’ve spoken to here support each other in their affording you the opportunity to work with those in the community. That seems important to you, and it will be understood.
Good luck to you in your endeavors.
@Waiting2exhale Thank you so much for all of that information!!
My kids babysat like many other teenagers, but it was only every once in a while when neighbors or friends needed some help, so they didn’t list it. My older daughter did a lot of tutoring when she was in high school and made good money out of it (3-5 hrs/week), so she listed it.
Adcoms want to know how you are spending your time outside of school, so if you babysit on regular basis then you should list it. It shows you are a responsible person.
If you spend a substantial amount of time babysitting, then list it. Colleges certainly don’t expect teenagers to be working professional jobs.
Thank you. Should I include any kind of verification…?
I would list it, particularly if you have any interest in working in a field that involves children. Babysitting indicates that you have patience and are reliable. If you babysat for a particular family for a period of time, ask if they mind your listing them as an employer. Otherwise, don’t worry about it.
@techmom99 Thank you! That’s very helpful! I plan on going into law, so not exactly the same thing as childcare, but I think I’m going to include it!
Regarding listing babysitting as job experience on the Common App, it’s definitely a good idea if you have spent a lot of time as a sitter. I hired a teen sitter every summer to care for our two kids - she was responsible and creative in her role. She was accepted to our state flagship for college. Fast forward 4 years to when she was applying for a good accounting job right out of college… she listed me as a reference, I got a call from her potential employer, told them how responsible she was, and she got the job! She’s been promoted and still enjoying her work and the company.
@abalori -
As an attorney, I can tell you that the skills you learn in babysitting can be invaluable in law. It’s not just changing diapers or coloring. Patience is a virtue and a skill. Learning to figure out if someone is telling you the truth is another. Every time I pick a jury, I use the example, drawn from my experience as a babysitter, day camp counselor and a mom, of what would you do if you are in the kitchen making dinner and the kids are playing in another room when you hear a crash, and run in to see grandma’s favorite vase on the floor and the kids pointing at each other? How do you determine who is telling you the truth or even what the truth is? It makes people think about how they assess the credibility of other people, what mental tools would you use to figure it out (e.g., is there a baseball close to one kid?).
Good luck with your studies.
TM
@techmom99 That’s a really good point, hopefully schools will view the responsibility required in a similar light!
I agree that you should feel proud about listing this, as not only is it a legitimate income source, but you’re running your own business!
Be sure that when you describe the entry in the Activities section that you are very detailed.
Start with a action word, for example, “Responsible for two children under five; meal and snack preparation; follow strict bedtime guidelines, including bath and story time.”
If it is a regular job you should list it. A regular babysitting job indicates that at least one family thinks highly enough of you to trust you with the care of their children. Most people don’t leave their kids with just anyone. I know I never did. Make sure you describe it like a professional job.
Don’t know what colleges you’re targeting, how competitive.
Alternate opinion: babysitting is a job- and that’s good- and you’re responsible for those children. But unless you’re aiming at, say, elementary ed, or it’s in some way entrepreneurial (eg, you started a service, including other sitters,) you need to decide how relevant it is to why you want those colleges and what they want in you. The CA asks you to list in some order of importance. If you list it, think about putting it towards the bottom. You have some other good experiences that do involve the sorts of responsibilities top colleges hope kids will continue, on campus.
“…decide how relevant it is to why you want those colleges and what they want in you.”
Point taken, and agreed with for the important task of remaining a competitive candidate in these competitive times.
Just remember, though professors don’t sit on the admissions committees, they need babysitters, too.