<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>