Hey guys, I was just wondering how it looks to colleges if you work a job over the summer (say at a petstore or bookstore or something) in comparison to other options over the summer? I’m assuming prestigious internships are one of the best things you could do…but how would it look in comparison to going to some generic summer program at a college (the type you have to pay for)? Does getting an employer that can vouch for you help at all when it comes to college admissions?
Thanks.
A job is completely different from an internship. My guess is that if you get an internship in the area of your intended major it will look good. However, working 3 nights a week at McDonalds has no benefits on the college app. You could get a recommendation letter from your employer if it is an internship.
@Anish14 Well, I’m not sure I would say there are no benefits to showing you are committed to a job and you have experience in the workforce. Just highlights a different side, that’s all. Jobs work for some, internships for others.
An actual job in the workforce is very good. It’s really not that different from an internship, but it shows that you’re responsible and can handle a job. You may even be able to get your boss/supervisor write a letter of recommendation for you in the future (maybe not for college, you can save them for other resources like scholarships etc.)
A generic program in the summer that you have to pay for IS EXACTLY what it sounds like: a generic program you have to pay for. They aren’t really suitable to be placed on your resume as EC’s or anything like that; those types of things are resume padders. Colleges know this and don’t place the people who went on a higher pedestal. They know that 9 times out of 10, it’s loaded parents thinking they can pay their kids’ way into college. There are some situations where people do it for fun. If that situation is yours, then go for it. Otherwise, it’s not necessary.