<p>..to get into a really good college? I'm looking at Chapel Hill, Duke, and NC state. Chapel Hill is extremely competitive, I've heard they turn down straight A students just because SO many people apply there. So how do I make myself just a little bit above those other applicants?
Besides grades and SAT scores, what can I do to increase my acceptance chances? I've heard the "volunteer, leadership, extra curriculars" speech so many times. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like EVERYONE does those things. I play tennis and swim, I volunteer at a vet (which is what I'm hoping to be when I'm older)...but the leadership has me stumped. At my school, "president" of the student council/other clubs is a complete popularity contest. I've run for so many things and lost... so does that leave me no choice but to leave my application blank in leadership positions..? Or is there something else I could potentially do to get that leadership position?
Also, any other thoughts/tips about anything else would be appreciated!
P.S. I'm a junior, so I'll be applying next year.</p>
<p>Here is a book that might be helpful:</p>
<p>How to Be a High School Superstar: A Revolutionary Plan to Get into College by Standing Out (Without Burning Out</p>
<p>[How</a> to Be a High School Superstar: A Revolutionary Plan to Get into College by Standing Out (Without Burning Out): Cal Newport: 9780767932585: Amazon.com: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0767932587/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1]How”>http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0767932587/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)</p>
<p>Another way to show leadership is to START something…a club? Start a Future Vets club.</p>
<p>or how about some kind of food drive for pets? Combine your love for animals with charity and show leadership.</p>
<p>start a club… one of my friends started a “jam” club at his high school and they get together and “jam” they each bring what ever instrument they play and just have fun. Starting a club shows initiative and leadership as well as follow through and organization. You like animals how about starting a fundraiser to help get stray dogs adopted. Why don’t you speak to the Vet where you volunteer and see if they have any ideas of fundraisers you could do or any event to bring more awareness to stray dogs being adopted. Maybe even go to a local animal shelter and offer to take pictures of the dogs that are available for adoption and then create a facebook page for that shelter to bring more awareness and hopefully get some of those dogs adopted. Stick to things you are passionate about and if you can’t get elected to something create something of your own.</p>
<p>Leadership doesn’t have to happen just at school. Be active in your church, synagogue, or mosque. Take a leadership position in a youth group. If you’re a Boy Scout, get your Eagle or assume a senior leadership position in your troop. Organize a group of friends to go do something community related, etc.</p>
<p>Leadership may be overrated, because as one admissions officer from a top school said, “We need followers too. If we only admitted leaders, everyone would want to be in charge and that isn’t going to work.” The key is to get involved and do something you really care about, not just check the box. </p>
<p>What they’re really looking for is showing long-term commitment to something and taking increasing responsibility, not winning popularity contests.</p>
<p>Leadership also does not need to be a “position” but an attitude. If one of these college reps went to your school and talked to your peers, would any of them describe you as a leader? What about at the vet’s office? On your team? Think about ways you can ACT as a leader rather than looking for more activities that might give you a leadership “title” but the activity isn’t something that is genuine to you.</p>
<p>Definitely have passion for your extra curriculars. Make sure it shows, too. Do your tennis and swim teams have senior captains? If so, up your game this year and make sure you’re a viable candidate for captain next year. You could always start a club for something you’re passionate in, too. Being a leader is all about taking initiative and going above and beyond (this doesn’t have to necessarily be as an elected leader). Even though you might not have explicit leadership roles on your transcript, your leadership abilities will be transferred through on your letters of rec if you show passion.</p>
<p>Speaking of letters of rec, junior year is a great time to make strong relationships with teachers and community leaders for possible letters of rec next year. Get to know your teachers, show your abilities in the classroom, and spend a little extra time to take initiative. Stay focused, and good luck next year! :)</p>
<p>Hey, someone beat me to recommending the Cal Newport book. 
It addresses exactly what you are asking – track down a copy right away and read it.</p>
<p>I know of someone who applied to a university where the essay prompt was something along the lines of, “Are you leader or a follower? Explain?” She wrote that she was a follower. She was accepted, and got a personal note from admissions on her acceptance that said, “It’s good to know we’ll have at least one personal willing to follow all the leaders in this year’s class!”</p>
<p>Anecdotal, yes, but it makes a point: be honest. Do things you honestly enjoy, and do them enthusiastically. Don’t do something or write in your essay just what you think someone else wants to see.</p>