First off, I don’t participate in MUN. I participate in KUNA. It’s basically MUN, at least from what I’ve heard, but it’s specific to Kentucky and held by the YMCA. Some people do it for fun while others take it quite seriously in terms of awards and achievements. I, myself, am one of the people who is truly dedicated to it and enjoy it, while at the same time taking it seriously and attempting to create the sort of impact the conference wishes to establish.
Going back to the question, I plan on running for Secretary General during my Junior year. I believe I have a fair shot at winning. I’m a pretty outgoing person when it comes to connecting with people. Seeing by the past victors and how they carried out their campaign, I’m sure I’ll be able to do just the same, if not better. I’ve been class president for the past two years so that gives me some credibility in my ability to ‘lead.’ Yes, I know that class president is often just a popularity contest, but I can assure all of you that I am nowhere near the most popular person in the school… lol
Anyhow, I just want to know what weight it carries. I’m going to do it regardless of whether it means anything on a college app. It carrying some value will just be a plus.
My best advice is to do the things you care about. If it is KUNA then go for it.
It will be exactly one data point, and it’s relative usefulness will depend in large part on how that data point fits with the other elements of the application. For example, if you work with a faculty advisor while you are S-G, they will be able to see you in leadership role, see how you handle the challenges that go with that and write a richer, more substantive recommendation than what they could write based only on your performance in the classroom. The experience, lessons learned and what you have actually done with the lessons learned can, with some thoughtful work, could also make the basis for a good essay. If it is simply on your list of ECs it will tick an ‘ok, had a leadership role’ mental box.
@happy1 is right that you should do it if you care about it- do it for the doing of it.