WHY IS LEADERSHIP IMPORTANT IN ADMISSIONS?
Colleges are looking for candidates with a diverse skillset. Therefore, besides academics, it is important to demonstrate your leadership skills that highlight your ability to solve problems and make sound decisions.
Students are encouraged to participate in after-school activities or take on leadership roles within school clubs and initiatives. Throughout the four years of high school, students should actively pursue community service or volunteer work that is significant, meaningful, and consistent. Committing to one or two organizations for an extended period often carries more weight than sporadic, short-term leadership experiences.
Demonstrating your leadership skills is essential for a strong application to colleges.
Developing Leadership!
FINDING OPPORTUNITIES
Build a Legacy: Identify a club aligned with your interests that may no longer be active at your school. Take the initiative to revive it or start a new club, leaving a lasting impact and creating something meaningful for future students.
Stay consistent: Select activities and clubs that are your true passions. Gradually take on greater responsibilities over the four years, building a strong and sustained track record. This will provide a more compelling story for your resume than brief stints in multiple organizations.
Go local: Students are often interested in finding opportunities abroad. However, there are sufficient opportunities within your community. Colleges can see right through a program in Uganda which might not be 100 real and could possibly be a pay-to-play type of program. Colleges value real work so work within your community and demonstrate your role in bringing about a real change. Here are a few genuine ideas:
Become a sports coach for a needy community
Tutor language or programming skills to immigrants in your area
Volunteer at a local hospital