Say I’m a 1560 SAT, top 2%, 3.98 GPA student…
How much would a minimum wage job (20 hrs/week) improve my chances at top schools?
Zero. Top colleges expect applicants to have activities outside of school. Whether it is a sport, a club, arts, a job … they don’t care.
If the job is necessary to help support your family, it may help if your application has weak points (for instance lack of demonstrated leadership). If you’re not helping to support your family and your job is for your own benefit, then it will be looked at the same as any other EC.