Does DECA help with college apps?

I've been in DECA for a couple of years and I've participated in various competitions. I was just wondering if being in DECA actually adds value to my college applications or if it's not a big deal for colleges? Thanks!

DECA can certainly be a valuable addition to your college applications, as it demonstrates skills in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. However, the impact DECA has on your application will largely depend on your level of involvement and achievements within the organization.

For example, if you've held leadership positions in your school's DECA chapter, organized events, or have excelled in regional, state, or national competitions, these achievements will hold more weight and be more impressive to college admissions committees. In this scenario, DECA would likely be considered a Tier 2 or Tier 3 extracurricular activity, indicating a high level of achievement and a strong representation of your interests.

On the other hand, if your involvement in DECA was primarily as a general member participating in a few competitions, it might fall into Tier 4, making it a less influential aspect of your application. However, this doesn't mean that DECA won't add value to your application at all; it will still showcase your interests and extracurricular involvement.

Remember, colleges are looking for well-rounded students with diverse interests and experiences. DECA can help demonstrate your passion for business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and other related fields. Additionally, your experiences in DECA could also serve as inspiration for your college essays, where you can provide more in-depth insight into the skills and experiences you've gained through DECA and how they have shaped your personal and academic growth.

In conclusion, DECA can be beneficial for your college application, but the extent of its impact will depend on your level of involvement and achievements within the organization. Make sure to highlight your participation, leadership roles, and accomplishments in DECA to showcase your interests and commitment.