What extracurriculars should I do for a political science major?
The most compelling political science extracurriculars combine institution knowledge, competitive argumentation, and something built or organized. Student government and Model UN give you the foundational vocabulary. Debate circuit competition, Boys State, or a campaign internship shows you can perform under pressure. Founding a civic org or winning at a major national conference is the capstone that sets a political science applicant apart.
Does Model UN actually help with political science admissions?
It helps when it shows progression and results. Attending one or two conferences as a delegate does not distinguish you much. But a student who reached Best Delegate at multiple large conferences, chaired a committee, or founded a chapter at their school is demonstrating genuine leadership and command of diplomatic process. Pair MUN with real civic work, a campaign internship or a policy organization you started, and the combination reads as more than a resume-builder.
How do I stand out as a political science applicant if I cannot do debate?
Debate is one path, not the only one. Campaign or legislative work, policy research with a professor, founding a voter registration drive that hits a measurable goal, or starting a publication that covers local government are all credible alternatives. The thread that matters is showing you can both understand political systems and act within them, not that you competed in a specific format.
