<p>This summer I have been very unproductive. Just chilling around and not studying for my SATs. Not only that, I also did not work or volunteer. This is my junior summer, how bad is it going to affect my college app if I didn't have a job? Anyone know or experienced the same thing before? It's not that I don't want a job, but since my school is strict about where to volunteer, I cannot get a job unless it is approved by my teacher. I'll be meeting with her next week, so it is too late to start a job now? I'll also work only 5 hours a week. :) Thanks alot. Appreciated.</p>
<p>That is extremely, extremely bizarre that your teachers and school district have to permit you to work.</p>
<p>What gives them that authority?</p>
<p>Erm, I wouldn’t worry too much about getting a job over volunteering. Although a job shows responsibility for making money, volunteering tends to show more of the applicant’s passion toward the community. I would also start studying as well for the SATs. What kind of colleges are you thinking of applying to?</p>
<p>Don’t worry about it. A few colleges (like Stanford) ask what you did over the past few summers, but don’t make a big deal about it.</p>