<p>I've been wondering this for a while, but is your place in the school community signficant for college admissions? I'm probably average when it comes to leadership. By senior year, i should have at least 3 signficant positions, just like the average CCer. However, do you have to make a significant contribution to your school?.. I don't mean it by being the student government leader or captain of a sport. That simply means you were in control. What i mean is do you have to find some special new club, or perhaps introduce major reforms that really changes your school?</p>
<p>if you want to go to hyps, then yes you do. it doesn't neccesarily have to be something new, you just have to do something significant.</p>
<p>You don't necessarily have to, but I'm sure it would help.</p>
<p>My son wasn't that involved at school. He did band and baseball, and that was about it. He was, however, very involved in the family business. He got into one of the HYPS schools early action.</p>
<p>Academically, my son made a big impact on the school.</p>
<p>Do you mean he participated in class discussions?.. or do you mean he was involved in academic teams?</p>
<p>My son goes to a rural school that for many years was an underperforming school. My son was a National Merit Finalist and the school board made a big deal about that. I don't think they've had a NMF in over a decade. They were just so proud of him and proud that our small town was moving up in the world.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. Any other opinions?</p>
<p>Haha FresnoMom, that reminds me of my situation, but we are a little more established from what it sound like. My high school is literally on a cow pasture in a city that is most famous for growing strawberries. "Downtown" consists of a post office, a convience store, and a gas station that only pumps on monday and wednesday.</p>
<p>Not everyone can have a significant impact on their school's community, or else it wouldn't be considered "significant." However, you should have done something significant to yourself.</p>
<p>Any other opinions?..</p>
<p>My school is small, and I've taken up all the computer repairs, education, and set up. I also volunteer at every event at my school. I try to have a positive effect on my school, but not to put it on an application.</p>
<p>You don't have to...there's nothing "you-have-to" even for ivys, you probably have other stellar areas. Chill. You don't have to worry about making a "difference" in your community...and as 90% go onto the next level, the world.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies.</p>
<p>I should rephrase my question. Would colleges rather see strong leadership/community impact than seeing national awards and unique activities?</p>
<p>No. Intel/Siemens 1st place will win every day.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I should rephrase my question. Would colleges rather see strong leadership/community impact than seeing national awards and unique activities?
[/quote]
It depends on the level of impact and community, but generally, no. The latter would probably pwn anyday.</p>
<p>By the way, just so I could provide you with some of the sources for my assertion, check out the Harvard/Yale/Princeton sections of the forum, and look over the stats of the CCers that got accepted and compare it to those that got Wlisted/Denied. You will notice that science oriented students are trashing humanities/humanitarian applicants as far as %acceptance goes.</p>
<p>I think it would help a lot. colleges want students who will make an impact and be a vibrant part of their own campuses.</p>