Jobs Colleges Like to See On an Application (2024)

FAQs

Jobs Colleges Like to See On an Application? ›

Jobs often give students a better idea of what to study in college. Developing a career interest in high school can also lead to an impressive college application, says Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

Jobs often give students a better idea of what to study in college. Developing a career interest in high school can also lead to an impressive college application, says Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

Good Grades

Earning good grades is the most critical factor for college applications. You should learn the average grade point average (GPA) of students accepted to the college(s) you will apply to and aim to accomplish the same or better. Showing improvement in your GPA over time can also make a positive impression.

Your grades and test scores are your opportunity to demonstrate that you'd be a strong college student. Your extracurriculars afford you the chance to show off your wide range of talents and interests. Your essay, by contrast, is an opportunity to let admissions officers hear your unique voice.

For example, a student interested in becoming a writer can develop a spike by writing and publishing short stories. Or, a future doctor may do health advocacy work with underserved populations.

Colleges pay attention to your involvement in extracurricular activities. But what counts most to colleges is how long and how deeply you have been committed to one or two of those interests. This could be sports, clubs, music groups, or various other activities.

You generally won't need to provide evidence for your activities in your application. Still, it's a good idea to keep records of your involvement (such as certificates, awards, or reference letters from advisors, coaches, or teachers) just in case you're ever asked to provide supporting documentation.

Colleges like to see that a student can perform well in advanced classes, and both AP and honors courses serve that purpose. Some elite colleges even look to see if you've taken the most challenging classes your high school offers.

What APS do colleges like the most? ›

AP classes that prepare you for college

These are the AP Research, AP Seminar, AP Statistics, and AP English Literature and Composition. Students with English as a second language should consider AP English Language and Composition instead. AP Psychology is another AP class that helps you in college.

Yes, Your Senior Year Courses Matter

So, what does that mean for applicants to America's elite colleges? Among other things, it means that a student can't stop or switch their foreign language. It means they can't take AP Statistics and think that counts as math (it doesn't!).

That said, a 1.0 is considered the lowest GPA you can get. A 1.0 means, overall, you have received a D average in high school or college. Some colleges have GPA cutoffs where if you score lower than their requirements, they will not consider your application.

Many selective colleges practice an admissions process that looks at the applicant as a whole person. This means that they take into account a student's out-of-school activities and commitments, as well as their personal qualities, in addition to their academic achievement.

Colleges will receive a set of senior year grades — often before they have to make a decision on your application. If you apply by an early deadline, many colleges will request your first “marking period” — meaning the first quarter or trimester — before they notify you of their admission decision.

A job or internship can enhance college applications. Completing a job or internship, especially as a high school student, showcases hard work, motivation, and eagerness to learn. Employers and schools value these qualities in applicants.

You'll gain valuable insight and skills that will stay with you long after graduating high school. Plus, summer jobs look good for college. Your employment experience could go on your resume or on an extracurricular list when applying to colleges.

First of all, kudos to you for holding down a part-time job while still in high school. It's not easy to balance work and school, so I think it's great that you're managing both. In terms of college applications, yes, colleges do care about your part-time job experience.

It's great to hear that you're taking on the responsibility of a part-time job while still in high school. To answer your question, yes, colleges do care about part-time jobs and it's definitely a good idea to include it in your application.