No Leadership

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm applying to Yale in three weeks and a bunch of other schools in 2.5 months.</p>

<p>I am borderline amazing statistically and will have great recs and essays, no doubt. I am a member of several clubs, sports, and have had a pretty intense job for forever.</p>

<p>but I HAVE NO LEADERSHIP.</p>

<p>none.</p>

<p>Not editor of the paper. Not captain of the golf team. Didn't start a club.</p>

<p>Is it too late to have some leadership on my app? Too late for Yale? For the rest?</p>

<p>be honest.</p>

2

<p>You Wont Get In.</p>

3

<p>What is your job?</p>

4

<p>I know a former valedictorian at Yale now who did not have any leadership positions (at least none that I heard about) but is an amazing musician. State level awards, composes her own music, etc. So it's possible if you have exceptional talent.</p>

5

<p>Job?</p>

<p>Caddy. Since freshman year.</p>

<p>But folks, it seems like you've given up on me. There's NOTHING I can lead in the next month?</p>

6

<p>Even if you found something you could lead in the next month, it would look opportunistic and shallow. It's more a depth of committment adcoms want to see, situations where you rise over time to a leadership position in something.</p>

<p>But don't worry about it. You have what you have and should proudly present it. You can't control what the admissions people will decide anyway. Maybe there will be a former caddy on staff who'll get all excited about that aspect of your background. You just never know. :)</p>

7

<p>I think that if you can show the adcoms that you are a leader through your essays and interviews and such, it would be worth more than being president of a bunch of clubs. Those are usually popularity contests anyway, and everyone knows that. Basically, make yourself sound like a leader with what you have.</p>

8

<p>Thanks guys. That's pretty encouraging.</p>