A bit stressed here because I don't have tons of traditional extracurriculars, but I've been really active in my high school's debate class and club. Do you think this experience has a big impact on my college application? Should I mention the skills I’ve gained in my essays?
Absolutely, your involvement in your high school's debate club is a wonderful extracurricular to highlight on your college application! Participation in debate showcases your critical thinking skills, ability to engage with complex topics, and, of course, your public speaking and communication expertise. These are all skills that colleges value as they indicate a student's readiness to engage in college-level discourse and contribute to the campus community.
You should definitely mention the skills you’ve gained in your essays. This is your chance to show how your debate experience has shaped you. For example, talk about a particular debate tournament that taught you how to work under pressure or how preparing for debates has improved your research skills.
Keep in mind that debate can often be classified as a Tier 3 extracurricular activity since it demonstrates your interests and can sometimes involve leadership roles. For more on the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities/
If you’ve held a leadership position within the club, that could be seen as even more impactful. Remember to articulate the commitment and achievements you’ve had in debate to convey depth rather than breadth in your activities. Colleges are looking for passionate individuals who are dedicated to their interests, so your deep involvement in debate can be just as meaningful as having a wide range of activities.
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