<p>I really wish to apply to Ivy League in the next few years (I'm a sophomore) and have very good grades (top 5 out of 600ish, many APs) , but I feel that the one obvious weakness I have is the lack of leadership experience in extra-curriculars, etc in school. </p>
<p>For example, the only things I have are Principal (1st chair) viola in school orchestra, (also in local youth orchestra on Sundays), and Student Council. I'm also in like 5 other clubs at school but just a general member. Is this too little to be considered "a leader"? It's not like I don't try, because I did run for President for a club but lost by a few votes and although I could run again next year, the chances of winning are not <em>that</em> great because the other people would have more experience since they were it the previous years. Also, does Student Council count as leadership?</p>
<p>I really want to increase leadership in my resume but am not sure how to do this. Should I do one of those summer leadership retreat/conferences? Are those considered that <em>valuable</em> by elite colleges or do they usually get dismissed? What other things could I do?</p>
<p>If it helps, I do a lot of volunteer work, and plan to go on a 7 week study abroad program to attend school in France this summer. </p>
<p>you dont need a title or position to be called a leader. you can be a leader by organizing events, fundraisers, etc. you can also volunteer or do research or shadow a doctor or something. it doesnt have to be a "club" per say. just focus on doing what u want to do. as long as you do that, i'm sure u can convey that to colleges.</p>
<p>and yes student council is considered a leadership, even though u dont have an official position. being a member counts.</p>
<p>They're not looking for you to pump your resume full of self-important titles like Grand Poobah Chair Head Organizer President Vice-President and Secretary of Whatever. Be a leader in activities that you ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT instead of things that look good, and you'll be fine. Leadership isn't about titles, it's about action.</p>
<p>Grand Poobah Chair Head Organizer President would be a sick title, though, not gonna lie...</p>
<p>But yea, I believe Northstarmom (an infinitely wiser person than I am, and a Harvard interviewer if I am not mistaken) told the story of hearing about a young (successful? I believe so) applicant who was not the leader of the orchestra, but did the jobs that no one else was willing to do--something to do with the handling of band uniforms. That struck her as something much more compelling than a simple council position, because it told a story--of someone who was willing to do the work to fuel her passion and show her dedication, rather than put a title on a resume. That's what schools are looking for--when they see a title, admissions officers expect to see substance behind it, not just the nametag.</p>
<p>How valuable is being class president? Just wondering because I'm considering running for president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer next year.</p>
<p>Um, you're a sophomore. No one expects you to be president of anything yet. For example. When I was a sohpomore, I was in about 4 clubs but I had no leadership positions and I was wigging. Now, a year later, I am an officer in all of those clubs and have started my own. Don't try to make yourself into a leader; just do what you love, and when you've done it long enough, you'll find you have the skills to lead in it. :)</p>