Why Work Experience Matters
Students who work during high school — especially those doing so out of necessity — demonstrate maturity, time management, and real-world responsibility that is genuinely valued by admissions officers. Don't underestimate how seriously selective colleges take this. Many officers explicitly look for evidence of grit and real-world engagement, and employment is a direct indicator.
How to Categorize It
The Common App activities section has a category for "Work (Paid)" — use it. If you had multiple jobs, list the most significant one as its own entry. If you had a series of similar part-time jobs, you can group them with a note ("Various retail/service positions, 20 hrs/wk throughout HS") or list the most recent or most significant one.
Writing the Description
Example of a weak description: "Worked at Starbucks." Example of a strong description: "Shift supervisor, Starbucks; trained 3 new employees; managed opening duties and cash; 18 hrs/week while maintaining 3.8 GPA." The second version demonstrates leadership, reliability, and balance — the first version does not.
Family Business and Informal Work
Helping run a family business counts. Informal self-employment counts (lawn care business, online store, tutoring practice). The standard isn't formality — it's genuine time commitment and responsibility. Describe what you actually did and how many hours per week it required.
Mentioning Financial Necessity
If you worked to contribute to your family's income, you can briefly note this in the additional information section. It's relevant context and is viewed with respect — not sympathy.