Published on June 29, 2022

Great leadership usually starts young. It comes with a positive attitude and a desire to make a difference. Admission and scholarship review committees at colleges are always on the lookout for leadership qualities in young students. After all, investing in a bright future is beneficial for the college too. 

Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities form an integral part of the learning experience. It would not be wrong to say that they are the nurturing grounds for qualities and traits that ultimately determine how the future shapes for a young student. Becoming a part of activities and events is a good way to start involving yourself in leadership building exercises. 

If you want your college application to stand out and impress, you need to start the leadership demonstration process early.

Start Early

Talk to your mentors, parents, friends and siblings about the activities and the leadership opportunity each activity offers. Involve yourself in the activities. That is the best way to identify what appeals to you most. Identifying the right activity and the opportunity it presents in the future is a strategic decision that you have to take early. The sooner you start, the more time you will have to work your way to the top. A college application shows the activity you were a part of and the level of commitment you dedicated towards it. 

Let your passion to drive you forward

When you have found an activity that appeals to you, dive into it wholeheartedly! Be it sports, arts, robotics, theatre etc., discover your passion and rise to the top in that. Excel at your activity – an application does look more attractive if it has the words ‘President’, ‘Captain’, or ‘Editor’ on it!   

Be enthusiastic. Volunteer.

Enthusiasm plays a major role in sustaining and excelling in your chosen activity. Legitimate and sincere interest in a subject is the key to achieving success. Volunteer for tasks – do not hesitate to put your hand up! An activity that keeps you enthusiastic and active will likely earn you consideration for a leadership role. While leadership is often recognised and valued, the path to the mantle is also equally important – it is this journey that the admissions office will look for in your college application as it conveys your true level of enthusiasm. 

Rise to the occasion 

The best way to demonstrate your abilities as a leader is by becoming one. Do not be afraid to accept responsibility and rise to the occasion. Value everyone’s ideas and thoughts, but make sure that your contributions to the group are recognised. A college application holds more value if it acknowledges and recognises your leadership and contributions. 

Know how to tell your story

Colleges look for leaders because they see in them the drive to succeed. Leadership is not just about the position – it is a story about what you achieved in that position. Your role in the entire process and your problem solving skill and collaborative efforts is what the admissions office wants to hear. Putting down in words the salient moments of your leadership journey requires skill and clear articulation of thoughts. Join a workshop that addresses the important aspects of college applications – the essay writing and resume building. Having a story to tell is no good if you do not know how to narrate one! 

Big Red Education

At Big Red Education, we will help you create impactful essays and winning resumes that will impress and help you get into your dream college. Our workshop will help you master the essential skills of essay writing and resume building.