Hello,
I was just wondering how important leadership positions in school clubs are for college apps. I’m deciding whether or not running for a leadership position that is not very important (kind of like an auxiliary position) is worth it.
Thanks.
If you just want the title just to dress up college applications, then no, it isn’t worth it. If you want the job because you have great ideas to expand the club’s mission, take it further, be more active and involved, grow the club and support and encourage all the members, etc. then you have a chance to show true leadership in a way that colleges appreciate.
Agreed.
Colleges do not define “leadership” by titles. A lot of empty “president” titles with no meaningful achievement in the club does nothing to enhance a student’s application. A student who is devoted to an activity and can speak to a meaningful commitment to it will look better, even without a leadership title. And activities may be clubs or groups but also may be hobbies, paid work, etc.
Just use your allowed number of characters for each activity in the activities section carefully. Use your words well to show why this activity is important- what it did for you and/or what you accomplished through it.
Agree with the above 2. Don’t conflate leadership with leadership positions. AOs won’t make that mistake. One can exhibit leadership without a title, and some who have titles are not effective leaders.
When I was a senior in HS, I was a 4 yr Varsity soccer goalie. The coach picked captains, and it wasn’t me. I was mildly disappointed. In College, they started a Women’s varsity soccer team (this was way back). I helped recruit players, I showed players kicking techniques. Not because I was trying to get anything out of it for myself, but because I wanted our team to succeed. I was named Captain. Then I was ready…I was showing leadership.
Leadership can be President of a club or Captain of the Team or Section Leader in Band. But it can also be:
-Student involved in ethnic community center for years and then is asked to teach little kids
-Actual officer in a club
-Watched his little brother after school and encouraged parents to sign up brother for sports team and took him to practice
-Within a club, organized an activity for that club
-Led a community service activity
-Lead singer of a band - sings, chooses set list, organizes transportation for other members
-Summer Camp counselor
-Boy Scout Eagle Award/Girl Scout Gold Award
-EMT Cadet
-Boys State/Girls State
-Tutors others
But yes, colleges look for leadership.