The Art of Describing Your MUN Experience in the Common App: A Guide to Avoiding UN-derwhelming College Applications
So, you’re a Model UN (MUN) enthusiast, and you’re ready to conquer the Common App. You’ve spent countless hours debating, researching, and strategizing, and you’re brimming with stories of diplomacy, leadership, and international intrigue. But how do you translate those experiences into a compelling, concise, and attention-grabbing entry in the Common App’s Activities section? Fear not, dear MUN aficionado, for we’re about to embark on a journey to help you craft a description that will leave the admissions committee saying, “Wow, this student is truly a global citizen!”
Why MUN Matters: A Case for the “United Nations” of Extracurricular Activities
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of crafting your description, let’s talk about why MUN deserves a prominent spot on your Common App. It’s not just about pretending to be ambassadors and diplomats (though that’s definitely a fun part). It’s about honing skills that are highly prized by colleges and universities. Imagine MUN as the ultimate training ground for future leaders. You’re learning to:
- Research and Analyze: You’re not just making up arguments. You’re diving deep into real-world issues, understanding different perspectives, and forming well-informed opinions.
- Public Speaking: You’re not shy about sharing your views, even if they’re not wildly popular. You’re learning to articulate your ideas clearly, confidently, and persuasively.
- Debate and Negotiation: You’re engaging in productive discourse, finding common ground, and building consensus even when disagreements arise. This is the art of diplomacy, my friend.
- Critical Thinking: You’re questioning assumptions, considering multiple sides of an issue, and developing your own unique perspectives.
- Teamwork: You’re collaborating with others, resolving conflicts, and working towards shared goals. You’re learning the importance of cooperation and mutual respect.
- Leadership: You’re stepping up, taking initiative, and inspiring others to action. You’re showcasing your ability to motivate, guide, and lead.
So, you see, MUN is more than just a fun extracurricular activity. It’s a powerful platform for developing essential skills that will serve you well in college and beyond. Now, let’s get down to the business of describing your MUN experience in a way that will impress the college admissions folks.
The Common App Activity Section: Your MUN Showcase
The Common App Activities section is where you showcase your extracurricular involvement. This is your chance to shine a light on your MUN journey, highlighting the skills you’ve developed and the impact you’ve made. Remember, the goal is to tell a story, not just list activities.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements to include in your MUN description:
1. Activity Type: “Extracurricular” or “Coursework”?
You’re probably thinking, “Extracurricular, right?” But hold on! If you’ve taken a dedicated MUN class, you can actually select “Coursework” instead. This highlights that MUN is a structured learning experience, not just something you do in your free time. But if you’re involved in a club or organization, “Extracurricular” is the way to go.
2. Organization Name: Let the World Know Where You’ve Made Your Mark
This is where you put your MUN club or organization’s name. Be specific! Instead of just saying “Model UN Club,” mention the full name, like “The International Relations Club of [Your High School]”. You’re showcasing your affiliation and demonstrating your commitment to a specific group.
3. Years of Involvement: Showcase Your Dedication
Don’t be shy about boasting your MUN experience. How many years have you been involved? Are you still actively participating? The Common App lets you specify the number of years and hours per week/weeks per year. This shows the admissions committee that you’ve made a consistent effort and that MUN is a significant part of your life.
4. Leadership Roles: Highlight Your Impact
Have you held leadership positions within your MUN club or organization? This is your chance to show off! Did you serve as President, Secretary-General, or Delegate Chair? Did you lead a committee or project? Don’t be afraid to highlight your leadership responsibilities and the impact you’ve had. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ve accomplished!
Crafting Your MUN Narrative: Turning “Simulation” into “Superpower”
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about how to write a description that truly captures the essence of your MUN experience. Remember, you want to go beyond simply listing your activities. You want to showcase the transferrable skills you’ve developed and the impact you’ve had.
Tips for a Winning MUN Description:
- Don’t Just Tell Us, Show Us: Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and accomplishments. Instead of saying “I’m a strong public speaker,” tell us about a time when you delivered a persuasive speech that changed the course of a debate or won you an award.
- Focus on Skills, Not Just Activities: Highlight the skills you’ve gained through MUN. Use phrases like “simulation-based education,” “active learning,” “experiential learning,” “critical thinking,” “research,” “public speaking,” “negotiation,” “teamwork,” and “leadership.”
- Connect to Your Future Goals: Explain how MUN has helped you develop skills that are relevant to your academic and career aspirations. Perhaps you’ve gained a deeper understanding of international relations, which has inspired you to pursue a major in political science. Or maybe you’ve discovered a passion for advocacy, which you hope to pursue in law school.
- Use Strong Verbs: Choose verbs that paint a vivid picture of your MUN experience. Instead of saying “I participated in MUN,” try: “I advocated for [specific policy],” “I negotiated a compromise,” “I led a team of delegates,” “I researched international affairs,” or “I presented a persuasive argument.”
- Keep it Concise: The Common App has character limits, so make every word count. Use clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences.
Examples to Inspire Your MUN Narrative:
Here are some examples of how to describe your MUN experience in the Common App, showcasing the skills you’ve developed and the impact you’ve had:
Example 1: “As a member of the International Relations Club at [Your High School], I’ve spent the past three years participating in Model UN simulations, honing my research, public speaking, and negotiation skills. I’ve served as Delegate Chair, leading a team of students representing [Country] to debate [Specific Topic]. I’ve researched [Specific International Issue], presented persuasive arguments, and negotiated compromises to achieve a successful resolution.”
Example 2: “Through my involvement in the [Your High School] Model UN Club, I’ve developed a passion for international affairs and a deep understanding of [Specific Global Issue]. I’ve participated in simulations representing [Country], researching policy positions, drafting resolutions, and engaging in debates with delegates from around the world. This experience has solidified my desire to pursue a major in [Specific Academic Field] and contribute to solving global challenges.”
Remember, these are just examples. Your MUN experience is unique, so let your personality shine through in your description. Be authentic, be passionate, and let the admissions committee know why MUN is so important to you.
The Common App: Your Gateway to a World of Possibilities
The Common App is your ticket to showcasing your talents and passions to colleges and universities. Your MUN experience holds the key to unlocking doors and opening up a world of possibilities. So, don’t be afraid to let your MUN story shine! Embrace the opportunity to share your passion for diplomacy, your dedication to international issues, and the skills you’ve developed through your involvement.
Ready to take your MUN description to the next level? Need more tips and tricks to make your Common App stand out? Connect with the JobLoving community! We’re here to help you navigate the college application journey and make your dreams a reality.