Leadership is something that a lot of people do not understand when it comes to college admissions. Many students think that leadership is about being the class president, club captain or student council member.. The truth is, universities look at more than just these titles. They want to know how a student has grown, contributed and taken initiative over time.
For students in Grades 9-12 building leadership skills is a journey that takes time. It is not about checking off a list of positions and achievements.
Each student has different interests, strengths, academic goals, and opportunities; what works for one may not work for another
Grade 9: Exploring Interests and Strengths
Being in 9th grade, you have the chance to get your hands on different activities and find out what you like.
- Things you really enjoy doing
- Causes that you care about
- Things you’re good at
- Activities where you can contribute and make a difference
At this stage it is all about participating, being curious and learning about yourself. It is not about being a leader
Grade 10: Building Responsibility
As you get experience you can start taking on more responsibility in the things you enjoy doing. This can mean:
- Being an active part of a team
- Helping with projects and ideas
- Showing that you are reliable and committed
- Learning to communicate & work effectively with others
The goal should be to be a reliable person others can count on, not just to have the titles.
Grade 11: Expanding Impact
By Grade 11, you might start to anticipate ways to make a difference in the community, school, or even the things you care about.
- Taking the lead on something
- Solving problems
- Helping others
- Making a change
But the right way to do this is different for every student. What is important is that you are doing things that you really care about and that will help you achieve your long-term goals.
Grade 12: Reflecting on Growth
In your year you can look back on what you have done and see how you have grown. Universities want to see:
- That you have grown as a person
- That you have been consistent in your efforts
- That you have taken initiative
- That you have learned to bounce from challenges
- That you understand yourself and your strengths
If you can talk about what you learned from your experiences you will have a stronger application than if you just list your leadership positions.
Common Misconceptions About Leadership
Some people think that leadership is about getting titles or joining a lot of clubs.. That is not true.
Leadership is different for every student.
There is no one way to be a leader that will guarantee you get into college.
Universities look at the context. Whether you are being authentic and developing as a person.
What matters most is that you are really involved and care about what you’re doing.
Why Personalized Guidance Matters
Building leadership skills is not something that you can do with a one-size-fits-all approach. The best way to develop your leadership skills depends on things like:
- What you are interested in studying
- What you want to do as a career
- Your personality and strengths
- What universities you want to apply to
- What opportunities are available to you
- What you are already doing outside of class
A plan that works for one student may not work for another. That is why it can be helpful to work with a college counselor who can help you find opportunities that fit with your interests and goals.
Final Thoughts
Leadership is not about having a title. It is about what you do and how you grow and develop over time.
In trying to follow a certain formula you should focus on finding things that you really care about and that will help you become the person you want to be.
If you want to get into a university, getting personalized guidance can help you create a plan that is authentic and tailored to your goals, strengths and aspirations. Leadership skills and building a college profile go hand in hand. By focusing on building leadership skills from Grade 9 to 12 you can create a foundation for your college applications and future success.
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