My son is a great student who is earning B plus grades in a college-prep curriculum. I'm worried that colleges will overlook him because he has absolutely no extracurricular activities. Instead, he works 25 hours a week at a local fast-food store and even manages a shift. He loves working and sees no reason to pursue school activities that do not interest him. Is this going to be a problem in his getting admitted to college? -- Junior's Dad
Answer: Work experiences count in the admissions process, especially if they show a good skill set. Colleges aren't just looking for students with lots of extracurricular activities. Your son has shown that he can excel in both school and the workplace. He should ask an admissions counselor at a college he may wish to attend if his work and academic background is a good fit for this school. What's important is that friends, fun and rest are not being sacrificed by his long work hours.