Upper middle class student who has to work summers

Pre-College Topics Summer Programs
1

I’m in the upper middle class and relatively quite financially privileged. My parents, however, are all about financial independence and want me to work paying jobs in the summer instead of attend pre-college programs or unpaid internships. As my interests are humanities with a focus on creative writing, there are very few paid opportunities in the fields for high school students.

Colleges, looking at my application, will know that my parents could afford to send me to a pre-college program, but chose not to. Will they look at me not going as a lack of initiative? I don’t want to make excuses for not going in my application, because I don’t want to take away from the people who genuinely need to work jobs to help support their family. I understand that this question is coming from a place of privilege, but it has become a slightly stressful issue.

2

Colleges don’t think too highly of those programs. All it takes to go is $. Get the job. It will look better on your app.

3

Is this a serious question? Thank your parents for requiring you to work to pay some of your own way. They are giving you a gift. Initiative is shown when you show up for your shift to work the fryer or sit in the lifeguard chair or mow the lawn. That is something important to have on a resume.

4

As a potential creative writing graduate you will be working a lot of odd jobs until you get published… Or volunteer at a homeless shelter. It will give you some ideas for your future writings.

5

It’s hard for me to imagine a better indication of initiative than working a job. I don’t think missing out on pre college programs is going to hurt you, especially if you’re working instead.

6

I don’t think colleges would look down on you for working in the summer, but if finances aren’t an issue, perhaps trying negotiating with your parents? Some of the creative writing workshops are 2 weeks–maybe find a respected program that starts earlier or later so you can have an uninterrupted time for working?

If you’re interested in creative writing, it might be helpful to have a supportive environment where you can workshop your writing with professors and other students. So not really so much for college admissions, but for overall development.