Am I reacting to this right?

philosopher4life · 08-15-2007, 01:22 PM

I'm going to be a Sophomore this coming year (High School).

So far the ECs I'm currently involved include Political Forum, Debate, SGA (Leadership Position) and Philosophy Club (I enjoy all of them thoroughly).

I've mentioned this a couple of times before but never in a circumstance like this. The thing is Philosophy Club and Model UN are on the same day. I initially planned on joining Model UN but the club was a "fit" for me despite my interest in International Affairs/Debating etc. I mean the club was packed (close to 50 people, apparently they have 25-35 runs come in regularly), the leaders were completing unresponsive - They kept emphasizing how awesome Model UN would look on a college application.

I feel Model UN would help my application in other ways (more chances to get an award and more leadership positions - 7 vs 1) compared to Philosophy Club.

Philosophy also looks like the odd one out and Model UN ties in better to the whole idea of "focus and passion".

But truth be told, I really enjoyed Philosophy. I don't think I've ever had such stimulating conservations before in my life.

So I guess the question is would colleges care (less) if I choose Philosophy over Model UN - especially when Model UN offers me more ways to "pad" my resume?

One more thing, I'm planning on joining "South Asian Club" next year. Would it look odd to colleges if I do that?

etselec · 08-15-2007, 01:31 PM

Do what you'd rather be doing. The college stuff will sort itself out when it's time.

buckeyemom2 · 08-15-2007, 01:42 PM

Do what interests you, not what you think looks better to a potential college. Your passion and enthusiam for philosophy will count for more than Model UN participation, which is a "dime-a-dozen" EC, in my opinion. Sounds like it would be a good college essay topic. =)

Igglesfan · 08-15-2007, 01:46 PM

I was thinking the same thing as Buckeyemom - this sounds like a great essay. It's so sad that you're dictating your high school life by the way it will look on your college applications - it really should be the other way around. Do what you will enjoy. Things work out.

srcameron · 08-15-2007, 01:46 PM

As a former high school debater - forensics can be very competitive, and the need to travel (and travel related expenses) may be extensive. Being involved in debate and model UN at the same time can be REALLY difficult because both require so much of your time (typically as organizations, of course this varies from school to school and if you're thinking my advice doesn't really apply to your experience, than don't worry about it). I think being involved in one or the other tends to be easier to balance academically.

Other than that, do whatever interests you most. Stick with whatever you're passionate about, and it will come across not only on your resume, but also in your essays when you talk about why your ECs were meaningful.

Darth Nader · 08-15-2007, 01:49 PM

Quote:

As a former high school debater - forensics can be very competitive, and the need to travel (and travel related expenses) may be extensive. Being involved in debate and model UN at the same time can be REALLY difficult because both require so much of your time (typically as organizations, of course this varies from school to school and if you're thinking my advice doesn't really apply to your experience, than don't worry about it)

I second this. Seriously, do what you love. You also make it sound as if Philosophy is more welcoming than Model UN, the answer should be quite obvious.

wis75 · 08-15-2007, 02:32 PM

Enjoy your childhood/high school years, do not merely live for some future. Therefore, spend your time in the clubs you want without thinking of your resume. You will have fun and no regrets. The whole idea of EC's is to do something you choose, as opposed to just studying for classes outside of the school day.

corranged · 08-15-2007, 05:28 PM

You don't want to spend three years in a club you don't like. Do what you want to do.

Keep in mind, though, that the atmosphere of the Model UN group may change throughout this year and future years. If you get a leadership position, or are a very good member, you can help shape the atmosphere to have a more constructive focus.

BAfromBC · 08-15-2007, 05:51 PM

I always advise my D to "follow her bliss."

But I agree with corranged. My D joined Model Un as a freshman and was disappointed with the way it was run. When the leadership changed, so did the tenor of the club--greatly improved. Same for our HS newspaper--totally revamped last year.

Maybe you could find some like-minded individuals and formulate a plan. Get to know the club's faculty advisor if you don't already--couldn't hurt. Stay positive and be diplomatic!

philosopher4life · 08-15-2007, 05:58 PM

Oh to add one more piece of info, the "sponsor" (/faculty advisor) actually never showed up to the couple of meetings I went

I just couldn't help but feel that the students wanted to be there!

Quote:

You don't want to spend three years in a club you don't like. Do what you want to do.

It's not that I don't like the club's "content", just the club itself. I suspect it will be run the same way the coming year too, all of the (4) VPs were Juniors and I believe the Treasurer was a Sophomore and the Secretary and President alone were Seniors.

To be honest, there's a little part of me wondering if being in Model UN will "enhance" my application! (I know it's stupid...)

twinmom · 08-15-2007, 06:02 PM

It will only possibly enhance your application if you have a leadership position and/or are a winner of competitions.

Darth Nader · 08-15-2007, 07:07 PM

twinmom, looks like philosopher's considering the same thing.

Quote:

I feel Model UN would help my application in other ways (more chances to get an award and more leadership positions - 7 vs 1) compared to Philosophy Club.

Quote:

Oh to add one more piece of info, the "sponsor" (/faculty advisor) actually never showed up to the couple of meetings I went

That's strange, doesn't your school REQUIRE your sponsor be there?

twinmom · 08-15-2007, 07:32 PM

Here's a thought ... go to one meeting one week and the other the following week this year. Switch off for the first month and see how you feel then. Clearly if you dislike being somewhere, it's not for you, and, on the other hand, if you love being somewhere else ... well, there's the answer!

umcp11 · 08-15-2007, 09:08 PM

Definitely do what you love for the reasons stated above. It really sounds like you have a real passion for philosophy and get a lot out of your conversations with those people. Don't lose that. The answer is obvious.

But fyi, philosophy so isn't the odd one out, anyway! Ever heard of a philosopher king? Philosophy and politics are very closely intertwined. If anything, the non-typical approach to your goals (man, every Asian kid and his mother does Model UN to pimp his resume) will help! I'll tell you what's random: I'm a skateboarding, horsebackriding, jazz-loving & jazz-playing runner who wants to see the world and write about it. And I totally said just that on all of my applications. Random much? I didn't try to package myself. I just did what I loved and went with it, and it worked out great. Accepted to Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, my dream school. And I got a crapload of scholarships everywhere else!

I honestly believe adcoms are looking for a passion for life and the intelligence to take you places, not just those cookie-cutter I Have A Specific Gig And Everything I Do Is Related To This One Amazing Life Goal people. Who are most likely BSing, anyway.

Countdown'sBegun · 08-15-2007, 09:16 PM

My daughter followed HER bliss, not some transcript-padding path. She got into one of the new ivies, the school of her dreams, and beat out many a valedictorian. The old ways of pumping up a resume looks cookie-cutter-like to may admissions counselors. They want REAL kids, with REAL passions, and TRUE love of learning. Not some paint-by-numbers. You do something just to impress the admissions office? They'll likely see right through it. Find what you love, think outside the proverbial box on how you can tap into that love, and when it's time to write your essay - speak from the heart. I do a lot of hiring for a Fortune 100 company. Can smell a BSer within the first 30 seconds. Colleges can too.