Leadership positions lowering my chances??

<p>I'm a pretty average applicant compared to this site. I have the usual 4.0 GPA and projected 2100 SAT score. However, the only leadership positions I have is Editor on SADD, and Editor in chief on my yearbook. I can't get any more positions at my school, but I wanted to know what else I could show them that would increase my chances. Outside school leadership maybe? If so, what examples of outside leadership can I show? Also, what kinds of other things can I do to set me apart from the others. ( By the way I plan to apply ED to CMU at MCS).</p>

<p>Please I really need some advice..</p>

<p>One question. Are you looking for leadership as another line to fill on your app? Most colleges are looking for depth. As an editor, do you like to write? Maybe you would like to be a stringer on your local paper? Go for what you love--admissions will know the difference.</p>

<p>I know they say that colleges are looking for depth. However, if they see my application with the same stats as another person with over 5 leadership positions they will obviously accept then and depth won't count for anything. If depth really counted for that much there wouldn't be so many people on this board with 5 President positions in five different clubs.</p>

<p>I think depth counts; you gave the counter-example of an individual holding 5 leadership positions. It's more likely like that you said that they won't have depth to each of those activities. Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook is no "joke" leadership position...</p>

<p>On your chances at CMU (assuming that you keep up with grades and the SAT), you're in.</p>

<p>I guess, but i still would like suggestions that would set me apart from the other applicants. Any suggestions?</p>

<p>Anyone......................</p>

<p>bumpbumpbumpbump</p>

<p>CMU243: If you're looking for another leadership position "just to get into college" - you're going in the wrong direction. The only sound advice that will work surely is: do what you enjoy doing.</p>

<p>Everybody who is posting not to do leadership just to get into college is ridiculous. EVERYBODY does stuff like this just to get into college, and I guarantee colleges would rather see you as leader of 5 clubs than see you having "depth" by only being leader of 1 club, be realistic.</p>

<p>That's what I thought too. so what advice would you have for me?</p>

<p>start your own clubs
then you are the founder AND president
and the clubs are what you're interested in
its a win-win</p>

<p>Depth counts. What you are doing in your leadership positions is what counts -- and is what you should document through your essay, interview and/or recommendations (such as having your advisor write a recommendation for you).</p>

<p>I interview a lot of students. Most who have, for instance, 5 leadership positions have 5 empty leadership positions. This becomes very obvious during the interview when I ask them to describe leadership challenges they've faced, or specific things they've done that have had a positive impact on an organization. Vague answers indicate that the student has a leadership position with no responsibilities.</p>

<p>"start your own clubs
then you are the founder AND president
and the clubs are what you're interested in
its a win-win"</p>

<p>this isn't my thread, but I imagine there are many schools like this...there have been numerous attempts by people to start their own clubs, they have had founders, teacher advisors, and all necessary resources, as well as a list of signatures of people interested in joining the club, and the school rejects it, what would you do in this situation?</p>

<p>If you write a stellar proposal, I cannot imagine the school saying no. Do some searches on the internet for tips for composing these and you should be fine. You have to include what is in it for the other side. For example, if you are starting a basketball club and you want to use the gym everyday after school during the winter, then you have a very high opportunity cost, and you are going to be turned down. However, if you are willing to do it at another time, the school will probably be more accepting. But, do not oversell yourself and say "this is so good for you, you guys should be asking US to do this." That, obviously, will not work.
I started a club more related to my sport, which cannot be done on campus. I determined that there was a high demand for this club, so, I found a facility willing to accomodate us, pitched my idea to them and they liked it. Then, I wrote a proposal to the administrators at school (we actually have an Activities Director) with a list of the kids at school involved (and their signatures), our faculty sponsor, the facility, SPECIFICS (i.e. dates, times), and who else would be involved. I basically didn't give him a chance to say no because we could have just started the club without his approval (except it would not be official). I'm sure you can figure something out.
good luck with CMU</p>

<p>I agree -- depth counts. A leader of 5 different clubs can't devote enough time to be a good leader.</p>

<p>"there have been numerous attempts by people to start their own clubs, they have had founders, teacher advisors, and all necessary resources, as well as a list of signatures of people interested in joining the club, and the school rejects it, what would you do in this situation?"</p>

<p>I would start the club as either an independent club out of my home or with an affiliation with a community organization or professional group.</p>

<p>Im thinking about starting Mu Alpha Theta. What does the club really do and what should I do after I've founded an advisor and the club becomes official?</p>