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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I’m am hoping this essay signals university priorities.  My kid is mid range and Michigan for GPA and test scores (1450 SAT and 4.1 at rigorous school).  I have no doubt she can handle the work but I am hoping they are looking for kids who meaningfully contribute to their communities and have held a lot of leadership positions[b].  It is one thing to get great grades and test scores and another to do it while you are juggling the lead in the play, team captain and yearbook editor.[/b]  I hope they are also looking for kids who want to contribute to society beyond their bubble.  That is what I am hoping will come through with this essay.

But I also agree there are a million ways to get at this besides being president or captain. Bottom line, I think they want to see that your kid does more than the bare minimum to get good grades and/or has some interpersonal skills.

And yes, most of you disagree that anything beyond grades, test scores and national awards matter but I am hoping this is a chance to demonstrate they do. Because I think those skills matter for jobs, life etc.[/quote]
 
So the kid who gets good grades/ test scores/has rigor and plays on the HS and club team and works out/practices 20 hrs/week but wasn't  the captain, the kid who writes for the school paper but isn't the editor, the kid who tutors underserved kids in their community, works a part-time job (no leadership titles), don't deserve to be characterized as leaders even though they juggled multiple outside activities as well?

[/quote]

They can talk about leading initiatives.

For example, coming up with an idea for an article series and doing the journalism to carry it out. Or using student journalism to achieve a change in school conditions.

Another example...setting a personal goal of tutoring X children (teaching is a form of leading).

But leading often implies being at the forefront of thought or being at the top of a hierarchy.

Try using "show initiative" instead of "leadership" and see what else you can brainstorm.
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