Is it better to have a part-time job or more extracurricular activities?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide if I should get a part-time job or focus on my extracurricular activities. I'm worried that having a job will take away from my ability to participate in clubs and sports. What do colleges value more: work experience or extracurricular involvement? Thanks for your help!

Hey there! It's great that you're thinking about this in advance. From my experience with my own child, I've learned that colleges value both work experience and extracurricular involvement. They like to see that students are well-rounded and can manage their time effectively. If you can balance a part-time job with some extracurricular activities, it could showcase your time-management skills and make you stand out. However, it's important not to overwhelm yourself. If you feel like having a job would take too much time away from your clubs and sports, it might be better to focus on those and excel in them. Remember, quality over quantity is key. Colleges would rather see you excel in a few extracurriculars than spread yourself too thin. Ultimately, the decision is yours and you should do what you feel will best showcase your abilities and interests. Good luck!