Questionable Leadership Expirience

[jayhogg]

Hello!

I plan on applying to the 3 military academies this coming cycle, and hopefully attending one and graduating in 2029.

I have great grades, I’ve been involved in some sports and clubs throughout high school, but not a whole lot of leadership experience.

I did, however, create a poker club at my school. It is 100% legit, school backed, and does not involve gambling of any kind (no money, no prizes, purely for fun). The club serves to teach people how to play poker and encourage friendship/interactions with others.

I personally founded the club, drafted the constitution, and I am the acting president at this time. I know that leadership is an important aspect that the service academies look for, and founding and leading a club is a great leadership experience.

However, I am aware of the negative views that a lot of people hold towards the game of poker (especially in the military), and although, again, my club is 100% just poker for fun and does not involve any gambling or illegal/banned activities, I am afraid it might have more of a negative impact on my application then a positive one.

If I put this on my application, would it be looked upon negatively or positively?

Any feedback or advice helps, and thank you all very much!

 

[StPaulDad]

Consider it from a leadership perspective rather than any moral angle: if the school approved the club that says you're not cutting class to shoot dice in the alley. So what would make this a good example of leadership rather than just an amazing snow job?

You want to show that the club makes positive changes that are sustainable, where you led others to get things done. You need to show how you made a change. How can you describe the club activity so it shows value to the community? How about continuity, so you show it'll survive after you graduate by doing some transition to new leadership each year. How about club growth year over year so it's not just you playing cards with your friends. Make it educational by digging into the math a bit. Be sure you've done documentation of various parts of governance so next year's president knows how to get a faculty sponsor, what a standard meeting looks like, how to recruit, what recurring events you sponsor each year, if you fund raise or countless other things that you can pass on to enable this to be a long term part of the school community.

Story time: my oldest DD joined mock trial her sophomore year. It was kind of a moribund group, more interesting than debate but not large or full of energy. She was a captain her junior year and starting making some changes to improve the club that really grew membership like recruiting kids from the theater dept to participate as witnesses, for example. By the end of her senior year there were 30 kids in the club and the energy was very different. She put together a large guide to running the team, including recruiting ideas, how to break down the case work for each role, how to cross examine, how to behave as a witness, dress code, banquet planning and a dozen other things. She graduated in 2016 but they still use it. So ask yourself what will this club look like after you graduate, and what can you do to make that pop and make it happen? It doesn't need to take over your life, but make it something that you can be proud of later.

 

[Academician]

I fully agree with @StPaulDad points. Try to create a legacy that will continue after you graduate from high school. I tell my students that any 'club' can be used to create belonging and camaraderie. Plus, the club 'label or name' should not limit the club's activities, including some local community services that you might plan or sponsor. Best of luck with your work!

 

[phatman]

Hello!

I plan on applying to the 3 military academies this coming cycle, and hopefully attending one and graduating in 2029.

I have great grades, I’ve been involved in some sports and clubs throughout high school, but not a whole lot of leadership experience.

I did, however, create a poker club at my school. It is 100% legit, school backed, and does not involve gambling of any kind (no money, no prizes, purely for fun). The club serves to teach people how to play poker and encourage friendship/interactions with others.

I personally founded the club, drafted the constitution, and I am the acting president at this time. I know that leadership is an important aspect that the service academies look for, and founding and leading a club is a great leadership experience.

However, I am aware of the negative views that a lot of people hold towards the game of poker (especially in the military), and although, again, my club is 100% just poker for fun and does not involve any gambling or illegal/banned activities, I am afraid it might have more of a negative impact on my application then a positive one.

If I put this on my application, would it be looked upon negatively or positively?

Any feedback or advice helps, and thank you all very much!

Fully concur w/ what @StPaulDad said above. I think growing the club, establishing process for continuity so it doesn't just disappear when you graduate are important. Also, you may be able to involve some community contributions w/ this by running poker table / blackjack at charity events (not sure of any age restrictions, may differ by state).

 

[DrMom]

Not too late to apply for Boys State or Girls State.