<p>Hi!</p>
<p>I'm a junior at a small International school in Oregon.</p>
<p>I joined the school in my freshman year, which was also coincidentally the school's first year of existence. Even more convenient, I was part of the 30 or so students in the highest grade at the time(9th grade).</p>
<p>Students in my grade worked hard to create our school's culture. This included creating clubs, organizing events, etc. I personally helped create the school's Model UN club, Newspaper, and Student Council. </p>
<p>Does this show initiative? Will it work to my advantage in application essays? I know that there are a lot of highly qualified applicants out there, and I want to get any edge I can. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Why wouldn’t it help? Even at established schools, colleges love to see evidence of students being self-starters and starting clubs, organizations, funds, rallies, drives, and other events. It evidences that they’re driven, motivated, and ambitious, and that they aren’t daunted by new situations. Furthermore, it shows evidence that they might do similar things at the college, which enhance student life there.</p>
<p>SO yes, it shows initiative and yes, it something that you can include either in your primary essay or an additional optional essay to show your drive.</p>
<p>Great! Thanks! One other question - should I mention the fact that my school was new, or should I “omit” that fact?</p>
<p>I think they would know that your school was recently established. Possibly indicated through your transcript or school profile that is attach to the transcript.</p>
<p>Oh, so I guess it wouldn’t matter either way? That’ll leave room for an extra sentence, huh!</p>
<p>No, I would note that your school is new. Not all schools have special pamphlets or brochures printed up that they attach to transcripts (when I worked for admissions, only fancy privates had those – I’d say less than half of the admissions portfolios we got had pamphlets or school profiles attached) and the only profile they may get about the school is your counselor recommendation. Those usually don’t ask how old your high school is.</p>
<p>So I’d note very briefly that your school is newly established, and as such, you and the other students had to work together to define the personality of the school!</p>
<p>That’s a great idea - mention working collaboratively as a team to “define the personality of the school”. </p>
<p>You worked for admissions? At which school?</p>