Uncovering true leadership experience for college applications

When filling out a college application, there’s one section you’re almost guaranteed to see: leadership experience.

For many students, it’s a buzzword that carries weight with admissions officers. But what does it truly mean, and (most importantly) how can you make sure it’s highlighted on your college application?

What is leadership experience and why does it matter?

Leadership experience demonstrates your ability to take initiative, inspire others, and make meaningful contributions. For colleges, it’s about how you’ve used your role to solve problems, work with others, and leave a positive impact. Admissions officers see leadership as a sign of a student’s potential to succeed both academically and as part of their campus community.

Selective colleges, including Ivy League schools, value leadership as a marker of personal and professional growth. Leadership qualities like responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving translate into success in higher education and future careers.

Types of leadership roles to showcase

Leadership isn’t limited to a student council title or being the captain of a sports team. Many activities can demonstrate leadership skills. And, in some cases, you don’t have to hold an official title.

Here are examples of leadership roles that shine on college applications:

At school

• Student government (e.g., president, vice president, or representative).
• Club leadership positions, such as club president or officer in organizations like the National Honor Society.
• Spearheading groups as a team captain in sports or section leader in marching band.
• Mentoring younger students or leading study groups.

Around the community

• Volunteering with local organizations and organizing community service
• Leading efforts in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or achieving Eagle Scout rank.
• Fundraising for a cause or planning events that bring people together.

In work settings

• Taking charge of training new employees or leading work initiatives.
• Being a camp counselor or organizing activities at summer jobs.

In your free time

• Organizing a club or community group around a particular interest or passion.
• Leading a group in a collaborative hobby like gaming or crafting.
• Starting a business or entrepreneurial venture.

Qualities and skills of a leader

Admissions committees are looking for students who exhibit traits of exceptional leaders (often soft skills). Here are some of the qualities that can set you apart during the admissions process:

• Strong Communication Skills: Being able to convey ideas clearly and listen actively to others.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Tackling challenges with creative and practical solutions.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others toward a shared goal.
• Initiative and Responsibility: Volunteering for leadership positions (whether formal or informal) and holding yourself accountable for outcomes.
• Emotional Intelligence: Showing empathy, adaptability, active listening, and an understanding of others.

How to gain leadership experience in high school

If you feel your leadership resume is lacking, don’t worry—it’s never too late to get started. Here are some ways to gain leadership experience now.

• Join Clubs or Teams: Seek out opportunities where you can take an active role. Leadership doesn’t have to be formal, or start on your first day in the club, it expands over time.
• Volunteer in Your Community: Find local organizations that you’re interested in helping and offer to lead projects or events. The first step is just showing up.
• Start Something New: Not interested in what you’re finding? Start your own club, organization, or group that meets your needs for both interest and initiative.

Balancing these activities with your school and other extracurricular responsibilities shows time management and dedication, which are leadership qualities in themselves.

Balancing leadership and other commitments

While leadership roles are valuable, maintaining balance—and not burning yourself out—is essential. Admissions officers appreciate well-rounded applicants who excel academically and participate in extracurricular activities. Prioritize activities that align with your interests and don’t stretch yourself too thin. You don’t need a formal leadership role in EVERY club or team you’re a part of. Pick and choose those that are most important to you, and let yourself play a supporting role elsewhere.

Non-traditional leadership roles

Not every leadership experience comes with a formal title, and that’s okay! Here are some ways to demonstrate leadership without traditional roles:

• Family Leadership: Helping manage responsibilities at home, such as caring for siblings or organizing family events
• Peer Mentorship: Supporting fellow students academically or socially.
• Creative Ventures: Leading a creative project, such as producing a short film or launching a blog.

How to highlight leadership experience on college applications

To showcase your leadership experience, follow these tips. And remember, this is not necessarily the time to be humble, but it is a time to be honest and open.

1. Be Specific. Detail what you did and the impact you had. Instead of “Organized a fundraiser,” say, “Led a team of 10 to organize a community fundraiser, raising $5,000 for local charities.”
2. Quantify Achievements. Use numbers to illustrate your impact, like the number of participants you managed or the percentage increase in membership under your leadership.
3. Tell Your Story. Use your college essays to reflect on leadership moments. What challenges did you face? What lessons did you learn? How did this experience shape your goals?

Reflecting on leadership for college essays

Your college essays are a perfect opportunity to showcase your leadership skills. Reflect on how your experiences have shaped you as a person and prepared you for challenges in college and beyond. Be authentic and focus on moments that highlight personal growth, resilience, and the ability to inspire others.

Leadership roles come in many forms, from traditional positions like student body president to informal settings like family or community initiatives. Focus on the soft skills you’ve gained, and the contributions and impact you’ve made. And use specific examples from these learnings in your essay. Remember to quantify your achievements when you can.

Leadership experience equips you with skills that will serve you in college and your career. Prioritizing and reflecting on your experiences will be an interesting exercise for you, as well as important for college admissions. Leadership shows admissions counselors qualities that will never be reflected in a transcript or GPA. Take the opportunity to step into leadership roles, and you’ll open doors to personal growth, and maybe learn something new about yourself along the way.

Demonstrating great leadership is just a start. Discover other great ways to ace those college applications by heading over to the Student Hub! From securing standout recommendation letters to crafting an essay that shines, see what college admissions officers are seeking—and get the tools and resources you need every step of the way. Let’s go!