“DECA-ing” Your Way to College: How to Describe DECA on the Common App
So, you’re a DECA kid, huh? You’ve been rocking those mock business simulations, prepping for those role-playing competitions, and maybe even attending your fair share of leadership conferences. You’re a budding entrepreneur, a whiz at marketing, and you’re basically a walking, talking business plan. But now, you’re staring at that Common App, and your fingers are hovering over the “Activity” section, wondering how to showcase your DECA prowess in a way that screams, “Pick me, college, I’m ready to revolutionize your campus!”
Don’t fret, future business mogul! We’re about to break down the art of describing your DECA experience on the Common App, and trust me, it’s not as intimidating as it seems.
DECA: More Than Just a Club (But Let’s Not Forget That It Is a Club)
Now, here’s the thing. DECA is like that friend who’s always got your back, helping you level up in all aspects of your life – leadership, teamwork, public speaking, presentation skills, and even your resume. But how do you translate that to a college admissions officer who probably doesn’t know DECA from a deck of cards?
The Key is to Showcase Your Impact:
Think about it this way – your Common App activity description is your chance to be the CEO of your own personal marketing campaign. You need to highlight the tangible skills and experiences you gained through DECA in a way that’s engaging and impactful.
Here’s a Breakdown of How to Do It Right:
Step 1: Choose your Activity Type Wisely:
- Career-Oriented or Extracurricular? This is where you need to get strategic.
- If your DECA experience is heavy on professional development and career exploration, “Career-Oriented” is a better fit.
- If it primarily revolves around leadership development and teamwork within the club, “Extracurricular” might be a better choice.
Step 2: Write a Killer Description (It’s All About the Details, Baby!)
- Start with the Basics:
- Activity Name: “DECA Club” is a good starting point.
- Name of Club/Organization/Team/Group (if applicable): “DECA Club, [Name of Your School]”
- Number of Years You Did the Activity, Hours per Week/Weeks per Year: “4 years, 3 hours per week, 36 weeks per year” (Assuming you’re still in DECA)
- Get Specific and Show, Don’t Tell:
- Avoid generic phrases like “I learned leadership skills.”
- Instead, say: “As a [Your Position in DECA], I spearheaded the club’s fundraising efforts, increasing donations by 25% through innovative marketing campaigns, resulting in the purchase of new equipment for our state competition.”
- Highlight Your Accomplishments:
- Did you win a regional competition? Mention that!
- Did you earn a high score on a particular exam? Showcase those results!
- Did you take on a leadership role in the club? Explain your responsibilities and achievements.
Step 3: The “Secret Sauce” – Connect DECA to Your Career Goals:
Remember: Colleges want to see that you are a well-rounded individual who is passionate about something. Connecting your DECA experience to your future aspirations is crucial.
- Example: “My involvement in DECA has solidified my interest in a career in marketing. I am particularly passionate about [Specific area of marketing interest] and I am eager to leverage the skills I’ve developed in DECA, such as [Skills you’ve gained], to contribute to a dynamic and innovative marketing team.”
Step 4: The “Common App” Magic:
- Make it Concise: You only have 150 characters for your activity description. Use every word strategically.
- Use Strong Action Verbs: “Led,” “Organized,” “Collaborated,” “Developed.” These words add impact and showcase your initiative.
Here’s a Sample DECA Activity Description to Get You Started:
Activity Name: DECA Club
Name of Club/Organization/Team/Group (if applicable): DECA Club, [Name of Your School]
Number of Years You Did the Activity, Hours per Week/Weeks per Year: 4 years, 3 hours per week, 36 weeks per year
Description: As Vice President of Marketing for the DECA Club, I spearheaded a successful campaign to increase membership by 20% through strategic social media engagement and community outreach initiatives. I also led a team of five students in developing a winning marketing plan for a local business, earning us a first-place finish at the regional competition. DECA has fostered my passion for marketing and I am determined to apply my skills and knowledge to a career in [Specific area of marketing interest].
Final Thoughts: Turning DECA Into a Winning College Application
DECA is about more than just business; it’s about developing yourself as a leader, a problem-solver, and a future professional. The Common App is your stage to showcase these skills and achievements in a way that resonates with college admissions officers.
Remember:
- Be specific, be authentic, and be bold.
- Highlight your contributions and the impact you made.
- Connect your DECA experience back to your academic and career goals.
And if you’re still feeling lost in the sea of college applications, reach out to our JobLoving community. We’re here to help you navigate the DECA-to-college journey with confidence and a whole lot of humor.