<p>what do colleges look at more favorably? right now I have to decide between volunteering at an assisted living facility (which takes as much time as a job) or a job at the movie theater. I'm leaning towards the volunteering position because I'm considering a career in medicine/health care. any help would be great. the schools I plan on applying to are CAL, UCLA, UCSD, UC D</p>
<p>UC schools: very numbers oriented, so make sure you take time to keep the GPA up in rigorous classes and rock the standardized tests. But beyond that, if you can't manage a toe in a paid job while also doing volunteer work – my opinion is the volunteer work in your projected area of study will serve you best.</p>
<p>Personally, I'd say go with the assisted living facility since it's relevant to your major. It'd be more of a bonus especially if you're applying to privates.</p>
<p>alright, thanks for all the help guys :)</p>
<p>I think I'll give up the job.</p>
<p>im in a similar (roughly) dilemma. i can choose between a record shop or an unpaid internship at a local radio station. obviously the latter sounds more appealing and formal. but i'd love to do both. </p>
<p>we'll see.
good luck nemz1e</p>
<p>Do what you love! Don't care about what colleges think...</p>
<p>If I were to choose between those two, I would go with volunteering because that just seems more interesting. Working at a movie theater seems pretty boring to me.</p>
<p>^ My brother worked at a movie theater for a while, and the whole family got in free!</p>
<p>My son has mild Asperger's Syndrome, so we thought it better that he work....We want him to get as much work experience as possible while it "doesn't count." The problem with his job - and probably many other minimum wage summer jobs - is that his schedule changes from week to week, so he can't commit to any volunteer activity that requires regular hours.</p>
<p>I will say that in a few of the visits he's had with profs in his area (Psych), several have asked if he's worked or volunteered in the field....they don't want someone who seems to have chosen the major randomly.</p>