I did not qualify to attend DECA’s ICDC this year as a sophomore even though I put in immense hours of work (bad judge).I have the option (I’m on the East Coast btw) of doing Collegiate DECA next year (I am a registered student of my local community college, and there is an active chapter there). Will it look more impressive to colleges if I do collegiate DECA over high school DECA?
You should never do anything for the sole purpose to try to improve your chances of getting into a school.
As a current DECA president and high school senior who just went through admissions, I can honestly say that colleges don’t give a shit about DECA. If you want to raise you chances for admission get a 34+ on the ACT. However, if you want to collegiate DECA for fun that’s ok. Just don’t fool yourself - thinking it will get you into elite schools.