<p>I've noticed that on common apps they provide a space for the work experience you've had throughout high school. Will it be frowned upon if I've never worked a day in my life (as in a real job), or will colleges assume I've taken this time to work on academics instead? Should I get a job over the summer so I can have something there to put or is it alright if it's totally blank.</p>
<p>I left mine blank, I've never done any jobs during my holidays but I used to do my EC stuff, so i guess it's ok. Colleges can't expect us to have done all the things in the world...</p>
<p>no, as long as you have good ec's, you're good. a job at mc donald's isn't going to do much good.</p>
<p>thanks, anyone else?</p>
<p>If you have/get a "job" that's just something to put on your application, the colleges will know that it's just a "filler." If you have great ecs, don't worry about it. It's another way for colleges to find low-income students. Obviously, not many students who apply will work 30 hours a week at a grocery store as a stocker to save money for college, pay bills, etc... Students who need to do this won't be hurt in any way, and may even call it a tip-factor as it sets them appart from almost all of the applicant pool. They just want to know you do something with your spare time.. That's all.</p>
<p>ditto.
i don't think i could successfully put groceries in bags...</p>
<p>monomania87 --- Cut the sarcasm. Some people are low-income and aren't like you (assuming you're an upper-middle class or rich white/asian from the NE). Thus, they have no choice other than to work. Working at any place, even in a blue-collar position, will teach you how to be responsible, how to manage money, and how to be a people-person.</p>
<p>Back to your argument; one's ECs should pursue one's interests. Therefore, doing whatever you're interested should be far more enjoyable than doing the same tedious things over and over again at a grocery store. Be thankful that you don't have to work.</p>
<p>To add to what everybody else has said,</p>
<p>Get a job. When you do actually need one, you're not going to be able to get one if you've never worked before. And people will laugh at you when you try. Work experience is important, even if you can get into college without it.</p>