Leadership @ CMC

<p>So I know that leadership is considered one of the most important factors for someone applying to Claremont McKenna. But I don't really know what somebody could do to show this. So far all I've done is president of a club and leader of my boy scout troop. This also involved planning and leading a final project to become an eagle scout.</p>

<p>So could someone give me some other examples of what someone could do to show leadership.</p>

<p>Leadership is an important attribute amongst students at CMC, but definately do not try and focus your application around it, i.e. if you truly believe that you are a fit for the college and would blend into their student body. </p>

<p>Every year they receive some 6000 applications, where a certain proportion inherently try and fool the adcom by showing their great leadership skills. They want students who are not soft-spoken, write well and enjoy participating in class. In addition, CMC students are relatively more focussed than students at other LAC's. Let them find the leadership qualities in you, and as an applicant you should present yourself in the most honest and true way as possible. Mention all your activities, but do not make a direct attempt at impressing them with your leadership experiences.
Emphasize, instead, on what you have learnt from one or maybe two and what you would do with such an experience..
:) hope I hellped,</p>

<p>I would somewhat agree with the above post. </p>

<p>Leadership is key at CMC. In some way or fashion, every student is a leader. But what a leader exactly is or does is up for complete interpretation. That is where you come in. Your job in writing the application essay is to describe you. Don’t insinuate or hint at your leadership qualities. Don’t hide anything. The admission committee has thousands of applications to read, don’t litter yours with any type of ambiguity. State how you are a leader. The essays prompt literally says that CMC is all about leadership. So, by not directly addressing that, I think you are putting yourself at a disadvantage. </p>

<p>But again, “leadership” can be interpreted. Too quickly do I hear from students applying that leadership is simply being the president of a club or in charge of community service. That by itself would not signal a leader to me. Go deeper. What is it about what you do and who you are that makes you a leader? Does this make sense? </p>

<p>When you are thinking of what makes you a leader, try and get away from the trite examples. I attend CMC and my leadership essay was all about me doing triathlons and marathons. Obviously, those are individual sports. But, by completing them, I proved myself as a leader… think differently- think like a leader….</p>