Debate Nationals or HOSA Internationals

Applying to College
1

Hey everyone,
So, recently I qualified to the respective national/international tournaments for the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) and Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). For NSDA, I was district champion in United States Extemporaneous Speaking and for HOSA, I was state champion in Biomedical Debate. Both of these competitions are during the same week in different locations, so there is no way I can participate in both.

Here is what I have been thinking regarding my decision:

  • Debate:
  • Pros
  • I have been in it for 3 years (I’m a junior)
  • I worked harder for debate
  • I have heard that NSDA is more prestigious
  • I can get quite a few debate points (this is kinda minor tho)
  • Going will send the message to my coach that could help me become our tournament chair next year
  • Cons
  • It is less likely that I will do well because of the prestige and number of qualifiers (over 300 compared to around 200 I believe)
  • Dallas is not as nice as Orlando when it comes to the location
  • I have fewer friends going to NSDA that are in my grade
  • HOSA
  • Pros
  • I want to pursue a career in medicine
  • One of the people on my team got 2nd last year even with a worse team than we have this year
  • I heard that it is easier to place
  • My team got 1st at state
  • Going would make our advisor think higher of me when we decide officer positions for next year
  • Cons
  • There is less competition (one test and one debate round compared to 6 guaranteed prelim rounds)
  • If I don’t do well, then I would have rather gone to NSDA
  • IDK if this is a con or whatever, but it is my first year in HOSA

So here I am…I am really torn between these two. On one hand, I would be sending the message to college admissions officers that I am not committed to my future career by going to NSDA over HOSA, however, by going to HOSA, I give up what I have been working so hard for for the past 3 years. My question is, from an outsider’s perspective, regarding my enjoyment, commitment, and college admissions, which one would be the best choice for me?

2

Remember, colleges don’t really care that you are pre-med. You will be majoring in bio, chemistry, basketweaving, but not pre-med. Medical schools don’t care what you did in HS. I am sure HOSA is good for you to learn more about the health professions

I think you should go for NSDA. I think you want to, but are worried about “what colleges think”.
Don’t worry about what colleges think. Worry about what is interesting to you, what will help you grow, what will be fun, what will help others, what are opportunities for leadership.