What's the most respected college club in America?

Hey, so what do you guys think is the most respected college club in the states? Like, which one holds the most prestige and why? I'm just trying to get a feel for which extracurriculars might be best for me.

When it comes to prestigious and respected college clubs, it's not so much about one particular club that is universally deemed "THE best" in the U.S. It's more about what the club accomplishes and how its members contribute to it.

Some clubs have received national or international recognition over the years for their significant contributions. Model United Nations (MUN), which requires a deep understanding of global issues and politics, has often been viewed as quite prestigious due to the level of commitment and knowledge it requires. Members often participate in globally recognized conferences, interacting with fellow students from around the world. However, its value heavily depends on the student's engagement and the recognition of the particular MUN chapter.

Intercollegiate sports teams can also hold a lot of prestige. A successful intercollegiate athlete shows commitment, teamwork, and sometimes leadership, all of which are valuable qualities. Of course, success in sports doesn’t automatically make an athlete a worthy candidate for all universities, especially if the student isn’t pursuing athletics as a career.

Research clubs or academic teams (such as a Robotics Club or Mathletes) that perform well in competitions can also hold prestige. These clubs often offer opportunities to gain specific expertise in a field. The prestige comes from the high-level competencies and sometimes even professional level achievements of its members.

It's important to note that simply joining a "prestigious" club is not enough. It's what you do within that club - the leadership roles you take on, the initiatives you drive, or the impact that you make - that truly stands out. Merely holding a membership to a club will likely fall into the fourth tier of extracurriculars, which is not particularly impressive to college admissions committees.

Remember, quality is more important than quantity. Your best bet is to invest your time into something that genuinely interests you and where you can make substantial contributions or lead meaningful initiatives. That’s what colleges consider most impressive.

So, examine your interests, goals, and college aspirations when determining which extracurriculars are best for you. If you have a passion for business, then participating in and taking a leadership role in DECA or FBLA may be beneficial. If you're considering a career in health, participation in a pre-med or health sciences club would be more suitable. If you're naturally competitive and enjoy debating, a Debate Team or a Mock Trial club could be a strong fit.

Ultimately, the "most respected" club is the one where you can excel, contribute, and make a significant impact. It’s about finding what suits you, your interests, and your future goals.