Leadership for Ivy Leagues (or Other Good Universities)

College Search & Selection
1

Hey everyone,

I am currently a rising senior and I have been stressing about my leadership status as I am applying to universities. These last three years, I have been trying to establish a passion that I can develop and focus on; my current passion is service work. I have travelled to various countries in Africa and Asia, and have worked in various clubs that help my local community. Therefore, I put my full focus on a certain club where I have been the Director of Global Projects for 2 years (I decide our projects around the world, contact various organizations and individuals, etc.). This position has also helped me establish a preferred major to study in college (even though it’s too early to decide) - International Relations - since I have previously (with this position) gained an insight on conversing with various organizations from different countries and have done research on various living conditions around the world.

I am very stressed about the fact that this position isn’t the ‘President’ position that most universities gravitate to. I simply decided to fixate on Director of GPs because it appeals to my interests more. I am now afraid that since I do not have a Presidency position, top universities will not consider me. I also have other leadership positions (not my main ones, but still important) like NHS Vice-President, Secretary of the Student Council and captain of the Varsity Volleyball team - but, again, I am not President of any club.

Thank you so much for reading my post (sorry it is so long)!

2

The title is not nearly as important as what you did in the position. You need to detail specifically what you have done in the leadership role.

3

“President” of a club is just a title. It sounds like you have the leadership experience schools are looking for with your role in your Global Projects EC. Don’t stress about the semantics.

4

You do not need a title like president. You could have such a title and do nothing meaningful, just be a figurehead trying to impress colleges— which attempt will likely fail. Or you could make a meaningful contribution to a club, a team, a musical ensemble, your family via working a job, etc.— or do a hobby you love with passion- and it will look good, whether you have a title or not.

You be you! Then your activity descriptions and essays will have the ring of authenticity.

(My son was not president of anything. He got into Williams early decision.)