Hi,
I go to a really competitive and super smart high school in California. I really want to do science olympiad/bowl this year, but I could not, as I did not make the tryouts for these teams. In addition, it is almost impossible to get a club passed at my school, as it is decided by the a representative body of students, and since they know that passing a club looks good on other people’s resumes, they usually deny the club (yeah, this actually happens). I was just wondering, do colleges know about this kind of competitiveness and “lack” of opportunities, even for interested students?
Wow. I would mention this seemingly obvious conflict of interest to your guidance counselor and see if there might be an avenue to change how a club is approved, or at least to create an appeal process. If you were successful, it sure would make for a great essay for your applications!
As for whether or not colleges are aware that such roadblocks exist, I would imagine it is not on their radar, for the most part. Colleges will simply look to see what you’ve been able to accomplish. They won’t be looking for the roadblocks in your way unless you tell them, and this could easily be seen as making excuses. Is is possible to start a non-school sanctioned club?
Yes, that a non-school club is what I’m actually working on right now 
Great! Do you have a teacher sponsor? If you do, he/she might help you to get the club approved.
Or find a way to do something good without a club. Look for opportunities in your community.
I can understand your frustration. There may be ways in which being in such a competitive atmosphere is a detriment. But it is also an asset. You will be far more prepared for college then your peers at many substandard high schools around the country. Don’t imagine that the opportunities are far better in a less competitive school. Our small suburban school doesn’t field a math team or academic Olympics. This past year was the first that we ever participated in science olympiad and our students had no preparation at all. They were basically just told where to show up. We don’t have robotics or many of the other high profile classes and clubs found in other places. We never even had a science fair until last year. Our students still manage to get into some very competitive schools. Often they have to do what you have to do and go outside of the school environment to get the experiences they need. That can be a valuable learning experience. My D wanted to improve the Drama offerings at her school and worked with a few others to write a grant proposal to make it happen. Then next year when the school couldn’t host it, they worked with the local town library and connected with some donors looking to fund teen enrichment activities. They not only got funding but were able to showcase original works by talented young playwrights and directors. By the way, none of them did this to look good on college applications. They did it because they loved drama and wanted this to happen.
I have no way of verifying this, but my guess is that the experiences you search out for yourself will be seen as even more impressive then simply joining already existing clubs. These boards are full of stories of kids who did things on their own — they perform research in their basements, apply for contests and grants, publish their writing. Don’t let the people who play politics and try to sabatoge you get in your way!