So my application is generally on the low side of average for most of the top colleges. I was wondering if anybody knew/could speculate how much of a bump I’ll get for being the Ohio debate state champion as a junior?
Thanks!
That’s a great one to add to your application, but it would be more helpful if you gave us your full stats and ECs and which colleges you plan to apply to so we can give you a better idea of your chances.
I’m not sure how much of a help it would be on your application, but I would certainly include it! If you stated the rest of your ECs, then it would be easier to see how much of a boost it would have. However, being a debate state champion definitely holds value because it is a statewide recognition.
What would also be great is if you were captain/president of your debate club or team. As the parent of a guy who was a very successful Congressional debater throughout high school, but who also was president of the club, I can’t prove it but feel certain that that display of ability, passion and level of involvement really helped him get into all the great schools that accepted him. Colleges love speech and debate! Just try to add a leadership position, or maybe volunteer to coach others, or find some other way to emphasize that this is your passion. But also, congrats on your achievement, I think that is a fantastic thing to have on your application and will impress anyone in admissions!
It is a great EC and would give you a bump if you are being compared to a similarly qualified candidate. But if you are on the low side statistically for a school debate will likely not be enough to get you in. Of course not knowing your stats or the schools you are considering it is hard to really opine. In any event, write strong essays, get excellent recommendations etc. and make your application as strong as possible. It is fine to apply to a couple of reach schools so see what happens. Just be sure to apply to academic/financial match and safety schools as well.
Winning States in Debate is A BIG DEAL. LD or Team?
It’s a million miles beyond being team captain (in many schools, the moderator does the vast majority of the work, not the captain.) Of course, being able to ADD “Captain, grade 12” certainly couldn’t hurt!
It shows that you have the ability to reason on your feet, to see both sides of an issue. It shows you’re logical and methodical.That you’re well spoken.
But it does beg the question: if you’re all those things, why aren’t your grades high?
I agree with @bjkmom that winning states in LD is a big deal, and it’s much more impressive than being team captain/president. As bijkmom says, the team captain may not actually do much and may just be the most popular member of the team rather than the most accomplished. You can show leadership by mentoring younger team members. OP: nobody here can quantify how much of a bump it gives you, but it definitely helps and congratulations.
Just to clarify, I wasn’t saying that being team captain was as good as winning his state for LD! I was saying that it would be a great supplement, to show that not only does he have the debate ability, but his passion for the activity is so great that he is also a leader of his team. From what I understand, colleges love to see that you had leadership of something, and a passion for something, so adding that role to the debate successes would be even more of a leg up!