Can someone explain how kids aren't getting into clubs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Smaller schools, not a problem- although creating a new club will likely be denied by college staff, who have to administrate them with the student.
Larger schools, you have to audition, basically. Freshmen not likely to get in but should try so they have better chance sophomore year.

It seems silly to have two clubs for same thing, they’d be competing.

Wouldn't they just be engaging in the activities they wish to engage in? Why would a club have to be in competition with another club?

[Anonymous]

There are a lot of talented and super driven kids at top schools. My kid is a freshman at a top ranked school. Auditioned for 3 performing arts groups and was accepted to 1. (After writing application essays, hours of auditions, and coffees with club leaders). A bit of a wake up call for my kid. They also applied to a few business clubs and joined one business club that seemed interesting. Club applications/interviews require time and my kid was too busy socially so applied to only 2 (out of 40+). I think kids find plenty of opportunities if they focus on what interests them vs clubs that are perceived as prestigious. Also, my current observation is that the connected kids will do fine with getting internships from family connections. Kids like mine (without connections) will likely benefit from school and club networking opportunities - but clubs are only 1 path- there are many others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to hire for investment banking on Wall Street, recruiting at major schools (particularly my TT alma mater). If I were still in that role, I would be certain to avoid these kids like the plague.

I met one of these kids at an alumni event recently and he was so proud of having been in the club and landing the dream Wall Street job, and how many of his friends also had. I couldn't listen to it. A few years earlier I'm sure he was the same kid advertising his 20 AP classes or his fake extracurriculars. I was embarrassed that my alma mater, which was always pretty pre-professional, seems to have strongly embraced this.

The club kids sound absolutely insufferable. Particularly those who already come from privileged backgrounds. I am more understanding of the kids who come from less privileged backgrounds who see it as a way to educate themselves on something that might be somewhat foreign to them.

girl you were at an alumni event at your you-must-say TT alma mater. dont be shocked when there are snakes in a lake. don't hate the snake for being in the lake. if you dont like it, dont swim in a lake.

[Anonymous]

I read recently that Penn admin has limited Wharton clubs to only one round that an applicant must go through to one to make the process more equitable, don’t know if it’s the same for other schools there but the clubs do not like it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reminds me of this Cornell story, where kids were screamed at in a dark room as part of a hazing ritual . . . to get into a business club? Wtf. https://www.cornellsun.com/article/2024/02/students-in-cornell-business-club-scene-reveal-misconduct-intensive-recruitment-process

Insanity

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:there are 27 or however many investment club, but the most prestigious investment clubs with the best name recognition among high finance recruiters / alumni network will naturally be limited in quantity.

What’s the evidence that recruiters and alumni care about this when hiring?

There is none.

This is good to know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I read recently that Penn admin has limited Wharton clubs to only one round that an applicant must go through to one to make the process more equitable, don’t know if it’s the same for other schools there but the clubs do not like it.

Good for Penn. I wish Cornell would do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to hire for investment banking on Wall Street, recruiting at major schools (particularly my TT alma mater). If I were still in that role, I would be certain to avoid these kids like the plague.

I met one of these kids at an alumni event recently and he was so proud of having been in the club and landing the dream Wall Street job, and how many of his friends also had. I couldn't listen to it. A few years earlier I'm sure he was the same kid advertising his 20 AP classes or his fake extracurriculars. I was embarrassed that my alma mater, which was always pretty pre-professional, seems to have strongly embraced this.

The club kids sound absolutely insufferable. Particularly those who already come from privileged backgrounds. I am more understanding of the kids who come from less privileged backgrounds who see it as a way to educate themselves on something that might be somewhat foreign to them.

girl you were at an alumni event at your you-must-say TT alma mater. dont be shocked when there are snakes in a lake. don't hate the snake for being in the lake. if you dont like it, dont swim in a lake.

You and the other person who replied to me don't get it. But DCUM is not known for reading comprehension. It is known for ignorant know-it-alls who stand on their head trying to make witty contrarian remarks which only demonstrate their lack of critical thinking skills.

I try hard to tell both sides of a story here. Such as I generally think these clubs are awful, but I guess they serve some purpose so as much as I hate them, I guess they can kind of be justified. I am writing this stream of conscious while doing better things in my life. I am usually very particular about my use of language. But I don't need to kill myself to impress people here.

I give up. Trying to give some perspective that seemed to be lacking here and get attacked. Meanwhile all of the people who have never been within a mile of Wall Street are experts. Best of luck to you.

[Anonymous]

Just don't apply to the top 25 colleges or top 10 LACs and you'll be fine!

It's too crowded at top 30 schools with type A grinders to get into clubs! It negatively impacts the student experience and their development. It's like going to disneyland during Thanksgiving - too crowded with entitled, intense people you don't want to stand in line with!

Lots of top50 or top100 schools where getting into clubs in pretty smooth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just don't apply to the top 25 colleges or top 10 LACs and you'll be fine!

It's too crowded at top 30 schools with type A grinders to get into clubs! It negatively impacts the student experience and their development. It's like going to disneyland during Thanksgiving - too crowded with entitled, intense people you don't want to stand in line with!

Lots of top50 or top100 schools where getting into clubs in pretty smooth.

LACs other than cmc don’t really have this issue.

[Anonymous]

It’s the oldest story in the book. Perhaps 50 cent said it best, in “in da club”:

My flow, my show brought me the dough
That bought me all my fancy things
My crib, my cars, my clothes, my jewels

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:there are 27 or however many investment club, but the most prestigious investment clubs with the best name recognition among high finance recruiters / alumni network will naturally be limited in quantity.

What’s the evidence that recruiters and alumni care about this when hiring?

There is none.

lol. This does not surprise me at all.

Sounds like made up exclusivity and even hazing (wtf?) - like a wannabe Greek organization for losers and grinds. Super cringy to think kids exhaust themselves trying to get into these groups ….

I’m a lawyer, and as far as I know there’s no equivalent in law schools (student-run pseudo-exclusive clubs.) But if there were, I’d be grateful to know who not to hire! Seriously, by self-selecting in, these kids are hoisting a clear red flag. Hard pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are a lot of talented and super driven kids at top schools. My kid is a freshman at a top ranked school. Auditioned for 3 performing arts groups and was accepted to 1. (After writing application essays, hours of auditions, and coffees with club leaders). A bit of a wake up call for my kid. They also applied to a few business clubs and joined one business club that seemed interesting. Club applications/interviews require time and my kid was too busy socially so applied to only 2 (out of 40+). I think kids find plenty of opportunities if they focus on what interests them vs clubs that are perceived as prestigious. Also, my current observation is that the connected kids will do fine with getting internships from family connections. Kids like mine (without connections) will likely benefit from school and club networking opportunities - but clubs are only 1 path- there are many others.

Again, no evidence that these clubs are helpful. Just speculation with a side of hopes and dreams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have read several references to how kids at top schools aren't getting into "THE investment club" or something like that.

If so many kids aren't getting into the investment club, why wouldn't the students just start a new club? Then there would be 2 or 7 or whatever number of clubs until everyone who wanted to be in one would be in one? What am I am I missing?

Size of the related academic program? There are over 3,000 cs majors at UMD. Not all of them can be part of "THE computer science club".

[Anonymous]

My kid is in 2 business clubs. One is finance related and offers guest speakers and alumni networking events hosted at companies in major cities and they also have weekly mtgs/sessions that teach kids.about the industry/ tools/vocabulary etc to better understand the field. The other club is consulting related and they are working on a project for a local business. My kid enjoys both, and it's a good learning experience. I think it's great to supplement academic learning (and partying) with applied learning opportunities whether it's business, arts, service, etc.