<p>So some people in my senior year are starting these random academic clubs (tutoring, etc) mainly for the purpose of padding their college apps. Will admissions officers actually consider it in one's favor if they have things listed like "club founder" in their senior year?</p>
<p>Personally I just think that's kinda unethical...what do you guys think of this trend?</p>
<p>I have encountered a number of club founders as an alum-interviewer. Have discussed it with others who agree that this is overdone and rather bogus. You can invite your friends to meet you at Starbucks and talk about Kafka and say you have founded the Kafka club or whatever. Don't waste your time, get involved in real activities.</p>
<p>I'm an alum interviewer for Harvard, and it's easy to sport the clubs that are clubs in name only and were founded only as attempts to impress admissions.</p>
<p>Real clubs have real activities that are meaningful: guest speakers. fund raisers, competitions, etc. They also just don't suddenly appear September of students' senior years. It takes a lot of thought and work to found a legitimate club, and as a result, through an interview, it's very easy to tell whose clubs are legitimate and whose clubs are clubs in name only.</p>