Will work experience look good on my application?

<p>If all goes well I will finish high school in 2-3 years (I am a sophomore) with my mail-in school (they send you a diploma after you complete high school, pretty much just online high school with paper). So my schedule is VERY flexible so I'm hoping to get 2 years of work before college and if I am lucky land assistant manager at one of the local grocery stores. My intended major is Criminal Justice (subject to change) because I want to work in Law Enforcement or the government.</p>

<p>But what I am wondering is will work experience look good on applications to state schools? I have a high GPA (Not that it matters since I'm home schooled) And am fairly confident I can do well on SAT (Hoping for 1200+ out of 1600) I may start at CC/JC because the only Universities near me are either, A. 20,000+ tuition for a year, or, B. In the Hood. or, C. an hour away. It will be cheaper to stay home and drive than to dorm with any of these options. And I am NOT asking my parents for substantial amounts of money.</p>

<p>So, long story short, will work experience look good on college apps for colleges like UNCCH (reach) NCSU (alright chances I guess) UNCW/ECU (I would have to move) or the over priced private schools (I can probably get in but would definitely have to start at CC/JC)</p>

<p>It’s like an extracurricular and shows work ethic so yes. But be sure you’re still in school at the time (whether it’s cc or hs), not just at a job before college. </p>

<p>utima: in what universe do you honestly think listing work experience will be a bad thing? C’mon. You knew the answer before posting this question</p>

<p>@T26E4. true. but I want to know will it push me over the fence of not being admitted to being admitted? I mean I’m not really the strongest applicant in the world to be honest lol.</p>

<p>I have a different take on it. Colleges are not hiring employees. They are admitting students and even scholars. So work experience is fine and good but it should not be trumping your academic focus. Since you have time, I don’t know why you are planning to work more and not improve your academic profile. If you have to work that is one thing. But if you don’t I would pull back on that in favor of pushing yourself academically. Unless you are on target already for the colleges you want.</p>

<p>Students who work while they study can show they have good time management and drive and responsibility, but there are other ways to do that too. I do not think that is the sort of thing that is going to push you into ‘admit’ territory at a rigorous school as much as doing more academically. If you are not ‘the strongest applicant in the world’ make yourself a bit stronger while you have time.</p>