<p>I'm in several ECs that I have stuck with for several years. However, due to certain obligations, I have not had the opportunity to accumulate any real leadership role in any of the ECs I participate in.</p>
<p>How big of an issue is this? I will be looking at Ivies and schools that are of academic equivalence (Stanford, Duke, UChicago).</p>
<p>I actually wrote my essay on an experience I had and how it made me a better person. This experience took place due to such obligations. </p>
<p>Should I use the additional information section of the Common App to address this?</p>
<p>I think you should be fine. I mean HYPSM admissions are completely unpredictable so I can’t really say anything about that. However, I did not have many ECs or leadership (I literally only had one leadership position and maybe 4 ECs) and I got into Duke, UPenn, and other similar caliber schools. I definitely would not use the additional info section to address the issue of why you do not have many leadership positions. If anything, it could come off as making excuses for yourself and bring attention to your lack of leadership. To be honest, many colleges are also aware that many people who list multiple leadership positions do close to nothing and are basically just figureheads. In my opinion, the most important thing is to convey how you have grown as a person/benefited from participating in these ECs and it seems like you do that in your essay!</p>
<p>Actually, my essay is about an experience I had at the family business. This is where a majority of my time is spent, which is a reason why I have failed to accumulate such leadership roles. I think I do show how I’ve grown, though, so thank you for your advice!</p>
<p>I had literally never held any sort of “leadership position” until I got to Penn and become involved in a club related to my major. Leadership is not about being called “president” or “secretary” of something, it’s about what you contribute. I did activities like science olympiad where I was a member but never with a title. I did get some awards though.</p>