AnaElda Ramos | Managing Illustration Editor

The Activities Fair on Aug. 29 presented students with incredible opportunities: preprofessional law, medicine, and business fraternities; literary and fashion magazines; dance and a cappella groups; mock trial; and so much more. 

We’re lucky to go to a school where we have numerous high-quality, interesting, and informative clubs and activities. Many of us in our college applications wrote about those we were most excited to be a part of. On campus, however, we’re faced with the reality that the organizations we mused about may require another set of prerequisites altogether.

WashU clubs need to be less exclusive. A number of clubs put up barriers to entry, whether it be a three-day audition process, an application that’s reminiscent of the Common App, or requirements for an extensive portfolio. Exclusivity forces students to stay in their comfort zone with the activities they already know how to do well. Barriers dampen a crucial aspect of college: learning new things and finding new passions. We should have access to extracurriculars other than those we are already familiar with.

Often, in order to apply to clubs, prospective members are expected to have the skills that clubs should be teaching them to develop. Student organizations should provide members with the toolbox they need to succeed within their community. Activities need to meet students where they’re at, whether that be supporting an already advanced member or a complete novice. 

Granted, some clubs are inherently exclusive. Club sports teams, for example, can often only field so many members and therefore will recruit those most qualified. However, many clubs promote exclusivity just for the sake of exclusivity.

As WashU students, we understand that scarcity can signal prestige. It’s not surprising that our clubs’ acceptance policies reflect a larger campus culture often interested in image, status, and excellence. Nonetheless, when joining a club, one should consider: Is it a good club because it’s hard to get into or because of the community it offers, the skills it teaches, and the opportunities it creates?

There are benign intentions behind the exclusivity of student organizations. Often, club leaders want to ensure that members will be fully committed to the activity. However, this discourages students from exploring multiple clubs. Rather than screening out new members through an extensive application, clubs should let students try the activity and decide for themselves whether they want to continue. A student’s commitment over the course of a few months is a far greater indicator of dedication than an application.

Funds for these groups come largely from the students themselves, who pay 1% of our tuition to fund clubs and activities ($682 in the 2025-2026 school year). Students deserve access to the opportunities they are paying for.

To the exclusive club leader, open your clubs up to students who have zero experience with the goal of teaching them the skillset your organization requires.

To the students still navigating the club application process, acceptances, and rejections, be patient with yourself. If you didn’t get into the clubs you wanted these past two weeks, it’s OK! It will often take you on a new path that becomes even more rewarding. Perhaps consider joining StudLife — no previous experience is needed!

Staff editorials reflect the opinion of the majority of our editorial board members. The editorial board operates independently of our newsroom and includes members of the senior staff.

Sara Gelrud, Junior Scene Editor

Sylvie Richards, Managing Forum Editor

Will Rosenblum, Managing Scene Editor

Lewis Rand, Senior Sports Editor

Bri Nitsberg, Managing Photo Editor

Eran Fann, Photo Editor

Isabella Diaz-Mira, Photo Editor

Sophie Schwartz, Junior Scene Editor

Elizabeth Grieve, Senior Scene Editor

Dion Hines, Senior Forum Editor

David Ciorba, Senior Forum Editor

AnaElda Ramos, Managing Illustration Editor

Riley Herron, Editor-in-Chief

Sydney Tran, Editor-in-Chief

Tim Mellman, Newsletter Editor

Lyn Wilkins, Junior Forum Editor

Kate Theerman Rodriguez, Senior Forum Editor

Matt Eisner, Managing Sports Editor