Need some help on how to present an EC achievement on an application

Parents Forum
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<p>My son is a member of a business organization (DECA–Distributive Education Clubs of America) which sponsors competitions at the regional, state and national/international levels in a series of about 25 different categories (buying and merchandising, hospitality, sports marketing, finance, etc.). He has done extremely well in this activity–state qualifier his first two years, and this year, he and his partner won the state championship in their category (several hundred pairs statewide), and, at the just completed national/international competition, qualified for the finals in their category (20 pairs out of over 100 at the internationals, representing several thousand pairs who initially started in the competition). They were the only non-seniors (he and his partner are juniors) to qualify for the finals.</p>

<p>My purpose for stating this is not to seek congratulations or praise for him, but rather to ask a serious question–how does he portray this on a college application? This is not playing on the state championship football team, or going to the nationals in debate, or being the lead in the school play, or anyone of dozens of other things which are instantly recognizable to an admissions counselor, it is an organization which many may never have heard of, and many who have still have no idea of the scope and breadth of the organization. He doesn’t want to look overly self-aggrandizing, but this could be a huge hook for a kid who, like many boys his age, has the sort of resume–great test scores, strength of curriculum, ECs, and recommendations, but mediocre grades (albeit with an upward trend)–that will lead some to view him as talented and maturing and others as a lazy underachiever. Clearly, he’d prefer the former.</p>

<p>He does want to apply to undergraduate business schools, which may help in terms of recognition of DECA and what it is. He also wants to apply to large, state schools, which often consider ECs of lesser import, though they do at least pay lip service to taking a hard look at noteworthy achievements in ECs.</p>

<p>My wife thinks that he should simply identify the organization and his category and put State Champion, National Finalist, 2010 (and his state qualifications from the previous years). I’d put more information, but am at a loss to figure out which additional information to include. Any help would be welcome. Thanks.</p>

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<p>Agree with your wife dadX3-Adcoms are experienced in reading transcripts so recognize nationally known school organizations.
His essays can reflect the depth and significance of his involvement in DECA</p>

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<p>I agree with Batllo.</p>

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<p>Is your son submitting a separate resume to the colleges he is applying to? If so, he could also detail under the heading of the organization his accomplishments (similar to what one would see on a job resume). </p>

<p>All of my kids submitted resumes because their essays were not related to their EC’s. This enables the adcoms to get a better picture of his involvement in DECA rather than just readfing the tiny line that is provided.</p>

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<p>I agree that most admissions counselors are very familiar with DECA. The way to play it up is to make it the subject of one of his essays. He should focus on what appealed to him about the topic, what he learned from the process and/or competition. He could discuss what he would like to do in the future in relation to the topic. This will give him a stronger identity when his application goes before the admissions committee.</p>

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<p>@momma-three - Absolutley agree. Attach a resume with more details.</p>

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<p>Thanks to all who have provided advice.</p>

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<p>I would suggest he write the common app essay on some aspect of his DECA experience, allowing him to elaborate on his passion and committment. This allows even a knowlegeable ad com to gain more insight into the organization but more importantly, into your son’s particular unique contribution.</p>

<p>Our gc’s advice was to evaluate an essay based on the question “Could anyone else have written this essay”. I have heard ad com’s groan at the “How it felt to score the winning touchdown” essay topic. It sounds like your son’s could easily be unique. Congratulations.</p>

<p>I would not rely on everyone’s recognition of any specific organization. My son was denied admission to the National Honor Society for not having enough leadership. His application included membership in NSP, the National Ski Patrol, albeit with a brief explanation.</p>

<p>His common app essay focused on his handling of a broken femur on a seven year old boy requiring emergency helicopter transport to the hospital. He was admitted to his top choice school.</p>

<p>He ALSO attached a resume listing specific dates, awards, recognitions etc that wern’t relevent to the essay.</p>

<p>BTW - the president of the games club has leadership.</p>

<p>Good luck to your son</p>

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<p>dadtimesthree: The awards themselves can be put on the line where DECA is listed (there’s a spot for that on the common app). Then he should write a <em>short</em> description of his DECA experiences/accomplishments containing the information in your first paragraph and put it in the box that specifically asks the applicant to provide further details about ONE significant EC. That box is right at the end of the section where you list the ECs. That will allow him to write is main, common application essay on whatever topic he wants rather than simply using it to convey additional facutal information about this particular EC.</p>

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<p>While I agree that this particular EC is a great topic for an essay that conveys his interests and accomplishmentsand motivations, he should write his essay about a topic of his choosing, and the suggestion from robinsuesanders will highlight this EC nicely. I would think that the admissions officers will be quite familiar with any organization that sponsors HS competitions. His getting so far certainly demonstrates dedication, initiative and smarts. That’s a nice accomplishment, must have been fun too.</p>

<p>Make sure he develops a nice reach/match/safety list. A strong EC can be a tip factor but it isn’t too likely to overcome mediocre grades, if you really mean thay are that bad. Upward trend is always a plus.</p>

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<p>My recollection is that that common app has a short essay that invites you to elaborate on one of your ECs. That may be the best place to write about DECA.</p>