WHY IS LEADERSHIP IMPORTANT IN ADMISSIONS?
Colleges are looking for candidates with a diverse skillset. as they want to build a community of problem-solvers, collaborators, and changemakers. Leadership is not only about holding titles; it’s about influence, initiative, and the ability to bring others together to create meaningful impact. Demonstrating leadership helps admissions committees understand how you will contribute to campus life, beyond academics.
Therefore, students are encouraged to participate in after-school activities or take on leadership roles within school clubs and initiatives. Throughout the four years of high school, students should actively pursue community service or volunteer work that is significant, meaningful, and consistent. Committing to one or two organizations for an extended period often carries more weight than sporadic, short-term leadership experiences.
Demonstrating your leadership skills is essential for a strong application to colleges.
Developing Leadership!
WHAT LEADERSHIP REALY LOOKS LIKE?
Leadership is not limited to being the president of a club or team captain. Colleges value:
Initiative and Innovation: Starting a new project, club, or campaign. Identify a club aligned with your interests that may no longer be active at your school. Take the initiative to revive it or start a new club, leaving a lasting impact and creating something meaningful for future students.
Influence and Mentorship: Supporting and uplifting others, whether you are a section leader in band or a youth mentor.
Advocacy and Change-making: Identifying a problem in your school or community and working to solve it. Students are often interested in finding opportunities abroad. However, there are sufficient opportunities within your community. Colleges can see right through a program in Uganda which might not be 100 real and could possibly be a pay-to-play type of program. Colleges value real work so work within your community and demonstrate your role in bringing about a real change.
Consistency and Growth: Select activities and clubs that are your true passions. Gradually take on greater responsibilities over the four years, building a strong and sustained track record. This will provide a more compelling story for your resume than brief stints in multiple organizations.
Consider an example - a student noticed that many peers struggled with math but were embarrassed to ask for help in class. They created a peer-led tutoring “math lab” that ran twice a week and became a safe space for academic help. This initiative demonstrates leadership through problem-solving, creativity, empathy, and the motivation to turn an idea into action.
FINDING / CREATING LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Lead from Within
Take on informal leadership, like helping train the next officers in a club or running logistics for events.
Serve as the point person in group projects, taking initiative and ensuring accountability.
Digital Leadership
Start a podcast on a social issue or student life topic.
Build a website or social campaign to raise awareness about mental health, sustainability, or equality.
Solve a Local Problem
Create a program that connects elderly individuals with students for tech help or social connection.
Organize a clothing or sanitary product drive in response to a local need.
Identity and Advocacy Leadership
Launch or strengthen affinity groups (e.g., LGBT+ club, cultural organizations).
Raise funds or develop curriculum for underrepresented communities.