Narcissa

Do colleges see a difference between different titles like captain/president/team advisor? cuz i was wondering if i should say like "team advisor aka captain" or explain what i do.

somni

Why can't you just put captain...?

Narcissa

because in the school's papers it says advisor...do colleges/guidance check the exact wording of what titles you put down on your application?

zenythz

Narcissa:

No, colleges probably will not look at it that closely. For example, I am in Science Olympiad, and I'm the leader of Chem Lab. On applications, rather than saying something like "Leader of Chem Lab Event", I title myself as an "Event Captain". I am a captain, which is essentially the same thing as leader, of an event, so the title "Event Captain" is perfectly fair. It definitely sounds nicer and more significant than "Leader of Chem Lab Event".

In general, little things like that that make you sound more significant are perfectly acceptable, as long as you don't break any major rule (like calling yourself the "Club Organizer" when you are simply in charge of fund raising).

Narcissa

oohhhh thanks a lot!! hm one thing-do schools check what you've put? because i heard some of the advisors for some clubs (Spanish honor society, FBLA) saying that "if you don't do anything in this club, and you write that you've been in (club) on your college applications, I will dispute it"

which is actually pointless anyways because "being" in a club and not being an officer doesn't matter

zenythz

Well, when you apply to college, you generally have to run your college application through your counselor, teachers etc. However, these people most likely will not know every single thing about you. So if you put down that you were in Math Club and all you did was show up at one meeting, they probably will not notice or even think twice about it.

However, it's the college admissions people you have to worry about. If they notice on your application that you were in Math Club, they may ask you things regarding what you have accomplished, what you have learned, why it was important etc. If you are unable to answer questions such as these, they will definitely investigate—particularly at top schools who are very careful with admissions.

So, in short, yes, counselors will run through your application, But, no, they won't investigate whether each club/activity is genuine. If you put down Math Club, they will assume that you really were in it. In general though, only list activities that you have actively participated in. This means that the coach/adviser knows whom you are. So if someone asks, "Was Narcissa in Math Club?", the coach/adviser better not say, "Narcissa? Who's that?".

I hoped that helped. Did I waste too much of your time with that long, boring post? =)