Living in Alaska and being involved in government and politics is really a great experience, full of opportunities; but junior year is approaching for me, and that’s when the most programs are available. For the 16-17 year, i attend a STEM/Career school, I’m student body VP, School rep to the School Board, and regional rep to the state organization of Student governments.
My dilemma is that senator Lisa Murkowski has her Senate Page Program (not too competitive) and i’m not old enough to go first semester, so i’d have to go second semester. If i go second semester I can’t run for any of my positions again and lose my chance to apply to USSYP (moderately competitive). I value both experiences a lot, I just can’t seem to find a clear path to which will be best (taking all aspects of the experience into account).
Don’t pick by which one you think will please colleges; pick by which one really interests you. It would be awful to do something because you think it’ll please XYZ or set you up to do ABC and then to not get in there/make it – perhaps for some other reason. Focus on the attraction and what you could learn from each opportunity.
It sounds hokey, but make a list of pros and cons. Some will be worth more than others, but sometimes, seeing it laid out makes it clearer. If it feels right to you, you’ll be able to explain it. And don’t get caught up in the “prestige” or selectivity. Because something matters to others doesn’t mean it should matter to you or vice versa.