<p>I'm going to be a high school senior later this month and I want my first job; intending for it to hold for what's left of summer. I want to be a music teacher... I assume my 2 options are, 1) Apply for a job at the local music school (the instructors, like I plan on becoming, are 'independent contractors'- they just use the building to teach in; and they get their money privately), OR 2) Start my own business and charge people by the lesson (they will likely come to my house or vice versa).</p>
<p>So............... which do colleges prefer? Should I work for someone or can I do it myself? Are they looking to see if I have "initiative" by going the private route as my own entrepreneur, or would they rather I work for a nationwide, well-known big business company?</p>
<p>Starting your own company will look a million times better in the eyes of colleges. You will also learn a lot more than if you work for someone else. </p>
<p>Hire a lawyer to handle all the paperwork; doing it yourself is quite complicated, and you might get sued. </p>
<p>Colleges do not have preferences like that. That would be ridiculous. And what a horrible thing to make important decisions for yourself based on if a college may or may not like something done a certain way. Taking required classes is different, but they are not interested in dictating your life or employment or even if you work or not.</p>
<p>@BrownParent I’ll admit yes, I had this idea based on the fact that colleges like jobs! (as indicated by one of my previous posts) If they have no preference… for something like teaching music lessons; which is better; should I get a job at a school under someone else, or become a private teacher?? It’s the same job, just different settings. I’ve actually done both when I was a younger student- gone to a music studio for lessons AND gone to teachers’ houses, where I paid every time I went. (The latter is something like the setup for babysitting?) I know in the long run it’s about the same; but considering appeal to college admissions officers, does it even matter?</p>
<p>@WhartonnotHYPS A lawyer…? I imagine the job to be somewhat like babysitting; myself going to students’ houses to teach. technically, it’s not a “business”. ot I guess it is; on account of the fact that I make money…</p>
<p>Since you’re beginning to see the folly of “starting a businees” vs. just getting a job at the music store – you can also understand why no college on this planet will care either way – no matter how you spin it. The fact is you’re going to teach music, not start some expansive business. Just list “employed as music teacher”. That’s correct, sufficient and descriptive. And NOT reaching.</p>
<p>Do your own business. It will definitely look good in the eyes of the admissions office. There is a book on admissions out there that encourages students to start their own business. It shows initiative, leadership, maturity, responsibility. It is something that your normal teenager does not do. My son was admitted to Stanford, and his business he started, as well the private lessons he gave for his specialty, figured prominently in his application. The admissions officer wrote a note commenting specifically on the business. So, I will differ on the opinions you received here previously. </p>
<p>I will also remark that my daughter has no job at all ever (until college) and it didn’t make any difference to her success in her applications. It isn’t what specific thing you have, it is the overall picture of what you involve yourself with and how involved you get.</p>
<p>OP would get her students through the music school or find them on her own. It’s not a job for the music place, clerking or something.
Colleges will look at what you did. I agree, that’s “taught private lessons.” No difference- except being with the store may bring you some students. Maybe you eventually juggle a good number of students. Maybe get some other gigs through the connections. You don’t need to start a business, run paperwork, etc, you don’t need a lawyer. </p>
<p>If there is a book out suggesting a kid should officially start a “business” to impress adcoms, I’d suggest you rethink. I hope this doesn’t show up on other threads. It is not a tip, by itself. If anything, savvy adcoms know most 16-17 year olds can’t fully do a productive “business” without some adult support. Music lessons and tutoring-- just do it. Mowing lawns, washing cars, just do it. You put it as a line in the EC section.</p>
<p>So much for more free floating, unchecked admissions advice- these guys don’t write college admissions books as a public service. </p>
<p>Most 17 year olds can’t make a go of a business on their own. However, some can, and those that can are quite impressive. Those are the ones that catch the attention of admissions. Giving music lessons is not like washing cars and doesn’t deserve a one-liner on a list of ECs. Starting a business giving lessons to a handful of students, growing it to 10 or 15, managing times, finances, freak mothers, etc. is much more impressive than you are making it out to be. You don’t need a lawyer or anything like that, but the OP could certainly do it all her/himself and make a business of it. I think the OP had the answer already.</p>