A few months ago, my 15-year-old son, Max, announced that he wanted to get a summer job after finishing up freshman year.
What I told him in response will surprise many. Hint, I told him "no." The reason behind my answer is complex.
The summer after freshman year of high school is a special one. I have one rule (well, two for Max) when it comes to this summer. Do something "productive" with your time, but getting a job is not expected.
Why? With limited space on the activities section of an application, oftentimes, students have more than enough activities to list. A one-time experience done the first summer of high school tends to fall to the bottom of the list or, more commonly, doesn't even make the cut. Other activities done for several years of high school or closer to when a student applies to college can carry more weight in the admissions process. The one exception would be the same job that the student does every summer of high school.
Why? With limited space on the activities section of an application, oftentimes, students have more than enough activities to list. A one-time experience done the first summer of high school tends to fall to the bottom of the list or, more commonly, doesn't even make the cut. Other activities done for several years of high school or closer to when a student applies to college can carry more weight in the admissions process. The one exception would be the same job that the student does every summer of high school.
I'm all for Max getting a job in the summertime—at some point. Maybe next summer. But not this summer.RELATED READING: A Plan for Extracurricular Activities for Every Year of High School
- First, the job market is extremely tough right now. Older high school students and college kids are having a tough time finding a job. The chances of Max getting an age-appropriate job this summer are pretty low.
- Second, Max has his entire life to work and I will expect him to work in the near future. But at 15 years old, I want him to have a great summer. He just finished his freshman year. He needs a break from academics, for sure.
- Third, he will be super productive every single day this summer. He goes to summer swim team practice every morning and then heads to a tennis clinic for several hours. He has a goal for next year: to make the varsity tennis team. This is the summer to invest in reaching that goal. And, he already is scheduled to volunteer at a summer program at his school for under resourced, local students.
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I am an expert at college admissions. Max's summer plans are perfect. No schoolwork on the agenda (besides required summer assignments for the next school year). Daily exercise. Being with friends. Being outside. Volunteering a bit too.
There is plenty of time for jobs, internships, research, test prep, and other experiences in the summer. Max and all rising sophomores can wait—at least a year or longer for all of that. For now, unless a student has to work, let your child have a fun, yet productive summer.
Oh, and that other rule for Max? This summer, he needs to learn how to put a napkin on his lap every time he eats. That summer goal might be harder than any of them!
