By Tran Nguyen, @deca.tran | Apex Friendship High School, NC
As college application season reaches its peak, the stakes are as high as ever. But how do you stand out? The answer goes beyond attending a few DECA meetings; the leadership opportunities, scholarships, networking and real-world skills can give you the edge you need to make your resume shine.
1. Showcasing Leadership Roles
Whether at the local or national level, holding a leadership position already puts you one step ahead. When listing your activities on the Common Application, keep in mind that order matters.
If you’ve served as a state or national officer, highlight that near the top since these roles carry weight. Even if your role is chapter-based, how you describe it makes all the difference. Emphasize achievements over labels.
Instead of writing ‘VP of Marketing,’ highlight what you accomplished: “Organized a chapter initiative that collected 300+ canned goods for local families in need.”
2. Competitions that Speak Volume
DECA competitions do more than test your skills; they can turn into real-world opportunities that open doors for internships. Prepared projects like business plans provide tangible evidence of your abilities, while participating in competitions gives you numerical stats.
Frame it on your application like this: “2x International Medalist at DECA ICDC, scoring in the 95th percentile out of 2,000+ participants.”
3. Spotlighting the Small Wins
Of course, not everyone will hold a state office or bring home an international trophy, and that’s okay. Admissions officers also strongly value consistency, growth and involvement. Even the smaller details, like attending conferences or participating in chapter projects, can strengthen your resume.
Instead of writing “DECA Member,” highlight your actions: “Volunteered at DECA’s community booth during a local festival, engaging with over 100 attendees.”
4. Telling Your DECA Story
At the end of the day, DECA gives you countless experiences worth writing and talking about. Whether it’s a snippet in your Common App essay or highlighting your real-world experience in a college interview, your DECA journey can reveal more about your growth than you might realize.
Was there a time of intense feeling at a certain DECA conference that shifted your perspective? A project that sparked a new career interest? These moments don’t just fill space; they show passion that makes you stand out.
Your application isn’t just a list of activities; it’s the story of who you are and who you’re becoming. With DECA, you can fill that story with leadership, achievement and meaningful experiences that make you stand out. So take the opportunities in front of you, turn them into accomplishments and let DECA help you go from roleplay to resume.
