M.U.N.
During high school, students face a wide variety of clubs to participate in. From varsity sports to student body, there is a plethora of options that high school students can try to stand out in college admissions. However, one recent extracurricular club has been started on high school campuses nationwide. We would like to introduce you Model United Nations, or MUN for short.
What is Model United Nations?
The club essentially trains students on all the rules and procedures of the actual United Nations. Then, students will go to tournaments hosted typically by universities. At these tournaments, students will simulate how a UN meeting will go and have “delegates” draft up resolutions. MUN is one of a select few activities that actually simulates real world politics, and is something that could even aid students on the collegiate level.
How does it benefit students?
There are certain skills that MUN develops that makes it unique from other extracurricular activities.
Negotiation
One of these skills is the ability to negotiate and compromise. Some other clubs such as Speech or Theater will also teach public speaking; however, MUN really teaches students the art of negotiation. From amending various resolutions, to coming up with new global policies, MUN is dynamic. Students see how various countries try and adapt for their needs in the global playing field.
Research in action
Students also develop advanced research and analysis in MUN. Again, while some other extracurricular activities do require participants to research before the main event, the amount conducted in order to be a successful MUN delegate is a huge time commitment. Your work depends on which committee and country you are assigned. Students may have to dig very deep to try and find information when it comes to subjects such as World Health and World Economics and Finance.
These types of skill will be very useful even in an age of widespread information. Finding and presenting facts can be hard and anybody, student or non-student; students especially should try and hone their skills.
Performance & Accolades
Just like any other competition, MUN gives out awards to delegate who perform exceptionally well and represent the view of their country in committee. These awards not only give prestige to student; when it comes to bigger MUN competitions (such as the main one held in Washington D.C), it also looks great on college applications. In committees that could reach sizes several hundred big, awards such as the Distinguished Delegate or Best Delegate award are huge differentiators in the eyes of admission officers.
To College, and Beyond
One of the greatest assets of Model United Nations is that it is one of the few extracurricular activities that also has a collegiate level. In addition, MUN has the ability to net career connections in the actual UN for high performing delegates and is a great way to get a head start on a potential career. On a basic level, MUN is one of a select group of extracurricular activities that gives immense real-world experience and is a great boost for any college applicant.
