<p>I am a high school student thinking about a career in international relations, and I have a question about how colleges view different extra curricular activities, that is Model United Nations and Speech and Debate.</p>
<p>I'm interested in both organizations, not just because colleges and universities like to see them on a student's application, but because I believe they both would help me deliver coherent arguments and become a better public speaker, and they could just be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I only have time to do one of the two.</p>
<p>My question is this: when an admissions employee from a college or university looks at a student's extracurricular activities portion of the student's application, is one organization favored over the other in the college admissions process, especially for students looking to major in international relations/international and public affairs? If so, why?</p>
<p>No. Just do the one that you are most passionate about, will have fun in, and many succeed beyond what is normal (i.e. - national competitions). </p>
<p>You are admitted to a college, not a particular major. So neither EC will give you an advantage over the other in admissions. IMO, debate and speech will develop a skillset that has application in a greater number of academic and professional areas.</p>
<p>You most definitely want to do debate club, especially if it is your speaking you are looking to improve. I do both- Debate takes so much more effort and commitment and, to me, is a better time investment. At Model UN conferences, you really do not practice your speaking skills. There are hundreds upon hundreds of students in one room, and only a handful of students actually get up to speak. In debate, you will practice a) your speaking skills/style and b) your ability to think on your feet at every tournament. Do debate, not speech though. If it’s really speaking you are looking to improve, I suggest PF (requires a partner.)</p>
<p>Colleges won’t give a flying f— which one you pick; what will matter is your accomplishments as a member of either team. (But do debate, because like, duh.)</p>