Recently I’ve become borderline obsessive over increasing my chances for the top schools for finance and am doing everything I can to make myself more appealing to such schools. I’ve gathered that top schools like applicants who show leadership and focus so since my school does not offer any clubs that have to do with my area of interest(finance) I figured I’d start a club myself. My question is whether or not it would be worth my time to start a club based on my interests or if I should spend the time I would spend managing the club doing things I know colleges like such as volunteer work and studying for the SATs. Also if it is worth the time what types of clubs garner the most attention from colleges. Also in case the question comes up I am still trying to balance the exact nature of the club between what would gather the most student interest and what would fit the most with my personal interests. The schools I am looking at are Columbia, UPenn-Wharton, NYU-Stern, and UChicago.
My kid started a club called “The International Dining Club” in her Junior year when she realized that there were going to be too much blank spots in the “activities” section of the Common App. it was comprised of her and one friend (who was also gunning for certain universities). They traded off the President/Vice-President titles based on whether the month had an R in it. The entire mission and activities of the club consisted of eating at an ethnic restaurant once a month and then bringing home left-overs.
They had an hilarious time with it…they were very honest in their applications about what they had done and the counselors seem to get a kick out of it. ’
That said, it was backed up with great other activities…
Start a club because that’s your passion regardless if it will help with college admittance or not. It can lead to frustration if done for the wrong reasons.
I feel like I should explain my schools policy on student created activities. My school takes the activities it offers student created or otherwise very seriously and starting and being in charge of one is a big commitment. All clubs must be pitched to and approved by the activities board. They must also contain at least 10 students one of whom (me) is the clubs sponsor who must attend and preside over all meetings, a treasurer who keeps track of who keeps track of how much the club is costing the school, and two representatives who handle recruitment and admissions for the club. Additionally there is a required number of meetings per month which the club must have. If any of the above requirements are not met the club is disbanded. The club must also reapply for official status every year. The benefits of this system is that the school pays for any club expenses, provide space for the club to meet, and will actively promote any sanctioned clubs.