If you’ve listened to enough college info sessions, you’ve likely heard about them looking for leadership qualities. But what does “leadership” really mean when you’re still in high school? Spoiler: You don’t have to be the student body president or start a nonprofit to show colleges that you’re a leader.
Colleges want students who will contribute to their campus communities. Leadership is a signal that you take initiative, care about others, and have the drive to make an impact. It doesn’t have to be loud or flashy—it just needs to be real. Authenticity wins every time. Here are 7 ways to show leadership:
1. Lead from where you are.
If you’re part of a club, team, or group, think about how you can take on more responsibility. Run a meeting, start a project, mentor younger students, or organize an event. Leadership is about action, not just a title.
2. Start something.
Have an idea for a club, blog, tutoring group, art show, or community service initiative? Starting something new—even on a small scale—shows creativity, initiative, and commitment.
3. Take initiative in class.
Be the student who helps others during group work, who volunteers to present, or who asks thoughtful questions. Teachers notice, and so do recommendation letters.
4. Support a cause.
Find a cause you care about and get involved. Whether you're organizing a fundraiser or simply rallying friends to volunteer, community impact counts as leadership.
5. Create your own project.
Not every leadership experience has to be school-based. Launch a podcast, build a website, write a zine, or create an art series that tackles a topic you care about. If it takes initiative and follow-through, it counts.
6. Help at home or in your community.
Leadership can happen outside of school. Taking care of siblings, helping run a family business, or translating for relatives are real responsibilities that show maturity and character.
7. Reflect on your impact.
When writing about leadership in your applications, focus on what you did, why you did it, and how it affected others. Colleges want to see how you think about leadership, not just where you had a role.
Remember that you don’t have to wait for someone to hand you a title to be a leader. Leadership is about showing up, stepping up, and making a difference. Start small, stay consistent, and remember—your voice and your actions matter more than any position on a resume.