This is a great article. My d did not have the stereotypical leadership position in high school, but was at the top of her class while maintaining intense commitment to her extra-curricular activity of dance (over 25 hours/ week). She is also 1/2 Asian and took something of an informal leadership role advocating for respect and appreciation for different cultures. This is somewhat unique due to the rural, conservative area we live in. When she had a scholarship interview, they asked her about leadership and she described how she provided leadership in a more informal way. I thought that since it was not the usual “President of Student Council” that this might hurt her. However, she said that the scholarship committee was very receptive. She demonstrated many of the qualities mentioned in this article- qualities that I knew she had, but was not able to articulate or place value upon because it was not the usual leadership thing. The committee awarded her one of the top six full ride scholarships.
So, in my experience, the scholarship committee did exactly what the author says they do:
“When asked how they identify the qualities of a leader in an application, admission officers point to interviews, essays and teacher or counselor recommendations – each as a way that candidates can highlight unique stories of thoughtful leadership. Absent a title, ongoing involvement in an organization or activity with increasing engagement can show commitment and one’s growing role in their community. Application readers are looking for instances when students are willing to make a stand or take a risk. They are curious to see how students show care for, and positively impact, others’ lives. Even small signs of responsibility such as an applicant taking the reigns in the college search and not just following the crowd or their parents’ direction. Frequently it is the pursuits that students don’t do for a resume that carry the most weight, so don’t chase the position, live the qualities.”