National Youth Leadership Forum value?

Has anyone attended the National Youth Leadership Forum? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the investment and if it'll actually be beneficial for my college applications.

I understand that you're considering the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) and its potential impact on your college applications. While attending NYLF can provide you with valuable experiences, networking opportunities, and exposure to different fields, it's essential to understand how selective college admissions view these types of paid programs.

Generally, highly-selective colleges tend to prefer free or low-cost summer programs that are based on merit and have competitive admissions processes. NYLF is a paid program, which means it will not be as highly regarded because the financial investment could be a barrier for some students. As a result, participating in NYLF will likely not make your application stand out much when compared to more selective, merit-based programs.

However, if the program aligns with your interests and you believe you would gain valuable experience and knowledge from attending, it could still be a good opportunity for personal growth. While it may not have a significant impact on your college application, the skills and insights you acquire could enhance your overall profile and help you develop a more focused narrative in your college essays.

I'd recommend also exploring other free or low-cost summer programs in your area of interest that may have a more competitive admissions process. This way, you can strike a balance between enriching your own experiences and demonstrating your merit to college admissions committees. Programs like HOBY or RYLA are examples of more selective leadership programs considered more favorably in the admissions process.