does work experience matter in harvard undergrad. admission?

Question

or community service matter more?

Answer 1

They both fall into the "extracurricular activities" category -- and are supplementary decision variables rather than primary ones. In other words, if two applicants are otherwise indistinuishable, then the one with better extracurriculars may get the nod over the other one. On the other hand, you aren't likely to be picked over a student who has better grades, SATs and admissions essay just because you worked.

Work experience will matter more if it is related to your study. Someone who wants to be a zoologist and worked for a veterinarian or someone who wants to be a journalist and interned at a newspaper would be more impressive than someone who wants to be a teacher and worked at WalMart.

Answer 2

http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/utilities/faq/admissions/app_pols/index.html

Good Luck!!!