How many high school students work summer jobs?

I've heard a lot of students pick up jobs during the summer break. How common is that, and do these jobs usually help with college applications or is it more about earning money?

It's fairly common for high school students to have summer jobs or internships. A summer job can provide practical benefits for college applications, depending on what you do and how you leverage the experience. Having a job can demonstrate responsibility, time management, and commitment, which are qualities college admissions officers often value. Additionally, if you can tie the job to your larger academic or career goals, that's especially advantageous. For instance, if you're interested in veterinary sciences and work at a local animal shelter, that link will likely strengthen your application.

However, while summer jobs can be valuable, they aren't considered as academically rigorous as, say, attending a competitive summer program or doing research in your field of interest. If your goal is to boost your resume for college admissions, prioritizing relevant extracurriculars, engaging in meaningful volunteer work, or pursuing an academic enrichment program may often be more impactful than a summer job.

Ultimately, it depends on your circumstances and goals. If you are financially able, pursuing a path that aligns closely with your academic and career interests could offer the greatest benefits. If you need to earn money during the summer, that's entirely valid as well, and colleges understand that not every student has the luxury of opting for unpaid experiences during the summer.