Unfortunately our idea of “leadership” is influenced by popular stereotypes - as in the person who “takes charge”, the one “who doesn’t take no for an answer”, the one who insists in having his/her way no matter what and last, but not least, those high sounding titles like President. If you give me a choice between a student who quietly persevered with say, band, for 4 years of school without necessarily being exceptional at it versus a student who had different leadership positions in different clubs over those 4 years without much to show for it other than the titles, I’ll take the former anyday for his “leadership” - as in showing the traits of commitment, perseverance, setting an example through his actions and taking the path that was perhaps not glamorous, but required making many sacrifices. I would like to think the college admission officers are experienced enough to look through superficialities and dig a bit deeper. But I can appreciate that this is challenging.