Thoughts on National Student Leadership Conference?

I got an invitation to the National Student Leadership Conference and was wondering if it's worth attending? Can anyone share their experiences and if it helps with college admissions?

Congratulations on receiving an invitation to the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)! It's essential to know that programs like NSLC can be valuable for personal growth and exploring your interests, but they are unlikely to have a significant impact on your college application, especially at selective colleges. Here's a post the explains why: You can learn more about how colleges evaluate extracurriculars here: https://blog.collegevine.com/is-nslc-worth-it

NSLC, like other programs that require payment, can be considered "pay to play." That means this program won't enhance your application much because there isn't a particularly competitive selection process, and the cost might be prohibitive for some qualified students. Colleges prefer to see students with extracurricular achievements that demonstrate leadership, dedication, and unique skills through more selective, merit-based programs.

That being said, if you're genuinely interested in participating and have the financial means, NSLC can be an excellent opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and gain insight into potential career paths. It's also a chance to develop your leadership abilities and grow personally.

However, when it comes to college admissions, prioritize demonstrating genuine interest and making a meaningful impact in a particular area that you are passionate about. Quality is more important than quantity - don't sign up for every single thing you hear about just to fill up your activities list.

Ultimately, the decision to attend NSLC should come down to your personal goals and if you believe the program's experiences and opportunities align with your interests and ambitions, rather than out of a desire to boost your college application. Your passion, dedication, and achievements in activities you've been involved with for a while will contribute much more to your college application than merely attending a specific program. Good luck with your decision!