Interested in Brown University? Meet Amanda, former Assistant Director of Admission at Brown!
LEARN MORE

Updated: Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Why Leadership Matters in College Admissions

Just Admit It! Podcast: Leadership 101: Essential Skills to Make an Impact 

Just Admit It! host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) chats with IvyWise counselor James (formerly at USC, USC Marshall School of Business, University of Illinois-Chicago, and University of Utah) about the importance of leadership in making a strong student profile for college admissions.  

In the context of college admissions, leadership can significantly enhance a student’s profile, showcasing their ability to influence, inspire, and drive positive change. High school students can find many ways to develop essential leadership skills to make a meaningful impact — and they don’t have to take on leadership roles to do it. 

Understanding Leadership in College Admissions 

Leadership in the college admissions context is about more than holding a title — it’s about how you make an impact on your classmates, school, and community. Colleges look for students who are proactive, self-starters and can handle responsibility. Demonstrating leadership often stems from a genuine passion for a particular area — be it academics, athletics, the arts, or community service. Admissions committees look for these leadership qualities to determine what you will contribute to the campus community.   

Key Leadership Skills to Develop  

Being a leader requires developing an extensive set of soft skills that will help you in college and beyond. These are some of the key leadership skills you can focus on cultivating in high school:   

  • Time management: Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities requires effective time management. Leaders plan their schedules, allocate time for various tasks, and adjust as needed. 
  • Communication and listening: Clear communication and active listening are vital. Leaders express their needs and goals transparently and listen to others to understand their perspectives. 
  • Relationship building: Building strong relationships with peers, teachers, and mentors is crucial. These connections can provide support, guidance, and opportunities for growth. 
  • Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is a key leadership trait. Resourcefulness and flexibility help leaders navigate unexpected challenges. “The first year of college is often a big transition period for most high school students, and it’s definitely not always easy,” says IvyWise counselor James, which is another reason adaptability is an important skill.
  • Problem-solving: Leaders tackle problems head-on, using strategic thinking and creative approaches to find solutions. 
  • Strategic thinking: Leaders think ahead and develop innovative solutions to challenges. 
  • Negotiation and collaboration: Effective leaders negotiate and collaborate with others to achieve common goals.

How High School Students Can Develop Leadership Skills 

You can develop leadership skills in many areas of your life, both inside and outside of school. Whenever possible, look for opportunities to get involved, take initiative, and make a difference.   

In the Classroom  

Building leadership skills in the classroom can help you cultivate good relationships with your teachers. As a result, your teachers can write strong recommendation letters for you when you apply to college.     

  • Taking on a leadership role in group projects can help you learn how to delegate tasks, manage time, and motivate your peers. 
  • Offering to help teachers with tasks like organizing materials, leading discussions, or mentoring younger students can build leadership experience. 
  • Participating in class discussions and encouraging others to share their ideas fosters a collaborative environment and hones communication skills. 
  • Asking teachers and peers for feedback can provide valuable insights and areas for improvement. 
  • Demonstrating positive behavior, such as being respectful, responsible, and inclusive, can inspire others and establish you as a role model. 

During Extracurricular Activities 

Extracurricular activities offer endless opportunities for you to develop leadership skills — no matter what interests you’re pursuing.  

  • Stepping into leadership roles, like team captain, club president, editor-in-chief, or event organizer helps you learn how to manage and inspire others. 
  • Organizing events, such as fundraisers, competitions, or social gatherings teaches you project management, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Helping younger or less experienced members of a team or club can build leadership and communication skills while fostering a supportive community. 
  • Working with different groups, such as coordinating with other clubs or teams, enhances collaboration and networking abilities. 
  • Setting specific, measurable goals for the group and working toward them can develop strategic planning and perseverance. 
  • Regularly asking for feedback from peers and advisors and reflecting on your leadership experiences can provide valuable insights for growth. 
  • Participating in leadership camps, workshops, or conferences can provide new perspectives and practical skills. 
  • Volunteering for new and challenging tasks within your extracurricular activities can push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow as a leader. 

At Home  

Managing household duties, caring for siblings, or contributing to family decisions also reflect leadership qualities.   

  • Taking on household chores or projects without being asked shows initiative and responsibility. 
  • Planning and coordinating family events, such as game nights, outings, or holiday celebrations, can develop organizational and leadership skills. 
  • Assisting younger siblings with their homework, organizing their schedules, or teaching them new skills can build mentoring and communication abilities. 
  • Keeping track of your own schedule, schoolwork, and extracurricular activities helps you develop time management skills and self-discipline. 
  • Working with family members to set and achieve goals, such as saving for a vacation or completing a home improvement project, promotes teamwork and strategic planning skills. 
  • Learning to mediate and resolve conflicts between family members can enhance problem-solving and negotiation skills. 
  • Being involved in family discussions and decisions, such as budgeting or planning, can provide valuable experience in leadership and decision-making. 

At a Part-Time Job or Internship  

Jobs and internships offer excellent opportunities to develop leadership skills that will not only help you with college admissions but also in your future career.  

  • Volunteering for extra tasks or projects at work can demonstrate initiative and a willingness to learn. 
  • Helping train and support new hires can build communication and leadership skills. 
  • Regularly asking supervisors and colleagues for feedback can provide valuable insights for personal and professional growth. 
  • Being punctual, dependable, and consistent in your work can establish you as trustworthy and responsible with a strong work ethic.  
  • Taking the initiative to solve problems or improve processes can show leadership and critical thinking abilities. 
  • Practicing clear and respectful communication with coworkers and customers can enhance interpersonal skills. 
  • Setting and working toward personal and professional goals can develop self-discipline and a sense of achievement. 
  • Identifying areas for improvement and proposing solutions can show leadership and proactive thinking. 

At Your Place of Worship 

Your place of worship also offers myriad opportunities to build your leadership skills.  

  • Taking on roles such as youth group leader, event coordinator, or committee member can provide valuable leadership experience. 
  • Planning and executing events like fundraisers, community service projects, or social gatherings can develop organizational, teamwork, and project management skills.  
  • Assisting younger members with activities, lessons, or personal development can build mentoring and communication skills. 
  • Leading study groups, discussion sessions, or classes can enhance public speaking and facilitation skills. 
  • Being involved in planning and decision-making processes for youth activities or community initiatives can provide experience in leadership and strategic thinking. 
  • Joining committees or boards within your place of worship can offer insights into governance and collaborative leadership. 

Demonstrating Leadership Skills on College Applications 

Leadership skills provide insight into your passions and potential contributions to a college community. Admissions officers look for students who will actively engage in campus life, lead initiatives, and inspire others. “As a leader, you’re not going to be stagnant. You’re going to be constantly growing and learning,” says IvyWise counselor James. You can demonstrate this on your application by explaining in your supplemental essays what you want to gain from attending the college and how the opportunities offered by that institution will help you grow. Demonstrating leadership skills can also indicate a good fit with the college’s values and resources. 

In addition to the supplemental essays, you can use your activities list and personal statement to highlight your leadership skills. Ideally, your school counselor and the teachers you choose to write your recommendation letters will also describe the ways in which you have demonstrated leadership at school.  

Submit a Competitive College Application with IvyWise 

By understanding and demonstrating leadership, you can present a compelling profile that resonates with college admissions officers. IvyWise college admissions counselors have helped thousands of students identify opportunities to build their leadership skills and improve their chances for college admission. Learn how we can help you achieve your academic goals and gain admission to your best-fit colleges.  

Contact Us

 

Get the IvyWise Newsletter

Related Posts