My son is NMSF (selection index 226), National AP Scholar (16 APS so far in junior year), XC, DECA National Award, rank top 50 as national high school debater, and 3.89 GPA (unweighted). I am wondering if selective college take top ranking national debater into consideration, will this stand out in his college application?
Yes, participation in debate will certainly be taken into consideration, as with any other extracurricular activity.
My friend’s daughter, NMSF, National Ap Scholar and national rank in debate (not sure of the exact title lol) just got accepted to Yale so I would say yes!
Yes, it’s a very good EC.
Yes it can help in the admissions process.
If your S wants to debate in college, he should reach out to the coach at the schools on his list to discuss the programs and how he might contribute.
Good luck.
Besides all of above, he is working on Boy Scouts eagle projects, English translator during Sunday Service at our church, he also has weekly paid job as tech helper in library, piano passed level 8 test… with all of these activities, hope he has a good chance to go to a school of his dream.
Congratulations to your S on his achievements.
Remember, that all highly selective colleges are reaches for every applicant. Make sure your S has a balanced list including several reaches, 3-5 match schools, and at least one affordable safety.
Other tips:
Apply in the EA round or at schools with rolling admission where possible, so that he might have an early acceptance or two.
Your S can get significant merit aid for being NMSF (U Alabama, many FL schools, U New Mexico, UT Dallas and more). Apply to those as early as possible.
Let your S know how much you can afford per year of college. Run each school’s net price calculator (NPC) to get an estimate of costs. Note if parents are divorced, own a business, or have significant real estate holdings/investments, the NPCs may not be accurate.
Good luck.