<p>Like, does it make or break your chances if you dont have any leadership positions? I have a solid GPA and SAT scores, and I have a good amount of ECs, except I currently just dont have any leadership positions. How bad does it look? Will this severely hurt my chances? I plan on applying for some positions later this year, but I was just wondering how much of an impact it made.</p>
<p>Leadership itself is kind of important, but one of the reasons colleges look for it is that it can be indicative of heavy involvement in your activities and not just showing up to one meeting - which can be demonstrated in other ways too. But overall, try to have leadership positions but it’s not a make-or-break deal.</p>
<p>It’s not really “leadership” in the customary term, but rather a clear indication that you have gone above and beyond what the typical “member” of a club or group may do. You don’t have to be president, and you don’t have to be vice president. Just show the meaningful impact you’ve made, and that’ll just about do it.</p>
<p>85% of colleges don’t care if you have leadership. The few that do, are looking for people of influence – not just people with titles. Don’t be something you’re not naturally inclined to do. If you happen to find something that sparks you to action, then do something about it. But to some club officer? For what? If you enjoy it, fine. Otherwise, help around your own home.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that out of the 3,000 or so 4-year colleges in the US EC’s are important for admission at only a small fraction. Perhaps the most selective 200 or so. You can see what factors matter in admission at schools you are considering by looking at their Common Data Set filings. Most students worry needlessly about EC’s when they’ll play only a small factor or not even be considered!</p>
<p>The question about impressive EC’s comes up regularly on the forum. There is a thread with several posts by Northstarmom, a Ivy alum interviewer, about what constitutes impressive ECs from the point of view of the most selective colleges. The post is at <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html</a></p>
<p>As you will see from that link, at the most selective colleges they are looking for depth more than just participation. Stanford, for example, says
If your ECs show accomplishment then you are doing fine (assuming you are targeting schools that care about ECs). Getting a few minor positions on school clubs will not make a difference to schools that look at ECs.</p>
<p>It’s not about leadership positions–it’s about actually leading people to accomplish something. You can do that without a title–you just have to find the place on the application to note it.</p>
<p>As the Director of Admissions stated at one presentation, “We don’t need 500 Class Presidents, someone has to follow.” Leadership takes many forms other than officer - it’s also organizer, passionate participant, continual involvement, service to others, finding your own way, or even developing your own business.</p>
<p>Depends on which school you are applying to. Some schools don’t care about leadership as others. Even colleges like Cornell and UC Berkeley weigh grades a lot more than leadership positions (I know this from MANY of my friends who were accepted to both schools, complete nerds but I love them). Leadership is important in growing an academic character as well: taking initiative, well spoken, confident, etc. </p>
<p>What I suggest is to always try and aspire to be a leader. Sure, having good grades in AP classes are cool and being class President is easy (just be popular basically). Be a leader in something that you love and you will do great things. Colleges will favor that a lot more than “founder of my FBLA club in school” or “VP in Whatever”</p>