Is being a translator part of a family responsibility?Answered
Hello, I'm currently working on my common app however I've come upon the option of adding family responsibility. I do a lot for my family, particularly my mother who is an immigrant. I often translate for her from Spanish to English, help her with her grammar, so much so she texts me during class or calls me while I do my homework. I also conduct other "homemaker" responsibilities such as cleaning, cooking, caring for my sister and dog, going out to get groceries, etc.
Thing is, when I looked up whether or not I should even put it on my application, many people claim the admissions will overlook it because anyone can claim it. I wasn't even sure if being a translator is a family responsibility because on the Common App website, it mentions nothing about it.
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2 answers
I think you should include this detail. It demonstrates the bigger context of "you" (and, bonus, demonstrates a lot of responsibility), which will help colleges know you better. It also illustrates diversity, as it shows the cultural influence of another country on you, since your mother has likely lended some of that to you along with her language. This won't be make or break on your application, but it demonstrates a pretty significant role you play which influences you on the daily, which is what colleges want to learn from your application- they want to know who you are. Nonetheless, it won't hurt anything to put it on your application. This topic could also make for an interesting essay opener if you would want to consider that, too.
No being a translator is not an ECA, you are taking responsibilities like taking care of your sis and dog, cooking, etc they are but they are very low level, try to level up, because ECAs are a very very very important part of college application
Thank you & Signing off,
Shashwata Mukherjee
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Not necessarily since the impact of being a translator in your family is what colleges care about and not how it's percieved on an application.