<p>I'm applying to some pretty prestigous schools, and I devoted myself pretty significantly to a rather mundane job at Mcdonalds my freshman and sophmore year. Since this job does not really exemplify any real skills should I list it? I worked my junior year in a clothing store as a retail associate and I'm pretty sure I'm going to list that one, but I'm just unsure if the Mcdonalds position for two years is something I really want colleges to know about as there often is a stigma associated with someone who works there.</p>
<p>List your work experience. Any work experience demonstrates maturity, responsibility, etc. That includes working at McDonalds for 2 years. </p>
<p>In addition, if you had to work at McDonalds to earn $ for your family or for college, that shows even more dedication, maturity, sense of responsibility, etc. Adcoms are impressed when students are willing to do boring, menial jobs in order to get ahead in life. </p>
<p>If you worked at McDonalds even though you came from a middle class or well off family, your willingness to do such work would demonstrate that you're independent, not a pampered, spoiled student.</p>
<p>Your McDonalds job may even be something to highlight in your essays. Presumably it taught you a lot about life -- things that often students who don't work or who work easier jobs don't learn.</p>
<p>When I applied to college, including Ivies, I included on my app the fact that I had worked for a while cleaning someone's house. I know that made me stand out, particularly since I lived in a well off suburb. I also got into all of the colleges that I applied to, including Harvard.</p>
<p>Thank, I never thought about building upon that experience in my essay.</p>