How important is CLUB leadership?

[comchiendacbiet]

Is it ok if you had other leadership-y things instead of the traditional club officer positions, for example starting some initiative while volunteering, starting a mentorship program (non-club related), etc.?

I also attended a talk from a JHU admissions advisor and she said that most applicants do have club leadership positions, and that they sort of expect it from everyone applying, so I'm a bit concerned on whether it's an informal requirement or not.

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[KnightDoc]

Is it ok if you had other leadership-y things instead of the traditional club officer positions, for example starting some initiative while volunteering, starting a mentorship program (non-club related), etc.?

I also attended a talk from a JHU admissions advisor and she said that most applicants do have club leadership positions, and that they sort of expect it from everyone applying, so I'm a bit concerned on whether it's an informal requirement or not.

There are many ways to exhibit leadership. Club leadership is relatively easy, given how many clubs there are, and how many positions they have, so a lot of people have it, but there is no way that anything that is so common (most applicants have it) is actually "preferred" over more unique experiences that also demonstrate leadership. Hopefully an adcom will weigh in, since I am just a premed like you, but I am pretty far along in the process, and I never heard this before. Maybe it's a JHU thing??? 😎

 

[deleted1075353]

I never held any position in any club ever in my life and I've gotten a good amount of A's and II's so far. So yeah do w/e you want.

It's more about how you write and speak about the experience in your secondaries and interviews. I'm sure people see right through the hordes of premeds that apply with "Treasurer" of some bull**** club lmao. But if you were say president of something or maybe managed people at work or started some organization and can speak passionately about it and describe the unique challenges you faced as a leader you'll do well in the process.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

100% depends on how you frame it. Leadership positions will help you have talking points during the interview/MMI so if you can speak passionately about what you did, that experience will look better than the applicant who was secretary of an organization that met once a semester (me).

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[KnightDoc]

Club leadership is one of the best, and most impactful, ways to show character and exceptional extracurricular involvement but it is optional.

Is it really? I'm not an adcom, but, as a student, given how many clubs and leadership positions are available at each school, to me they seem like one of the most superficial, least impactful ways to show anything other than application box checking. Nothing wrong with it if you enjoy it, but don't kid yourself into thinking being chosen to serve in one or more of the umpteen "leadership" positions in one or more of the umpteen clubs on campus shows character or exceptional anything to an adcom. Being a low level volunteer in a homeless shelter, hospice or soup kitchen, etc. shows way more of both. JMHO.

 

[readmypostsMD]

Is it ok if you had other leadership-y things instead of the traditional club officer positions, for example starting some initiative while volunteering, starting a mentorship program (non-club related), etc.?

I also attended a talk from a JHU admissions advisor and she said that most applicants do have club leadership positions, and that they sort of expect it from everyone applying, so I'm a bit concerned on whether it's an informal requirement or not.

i think the club leadership positions are a load of bs

no one thinks you’re a leader Bc u can ask for pizza money from the administration that treats college students like 4 year olds

I’d be way more impressed by someone who takes leadership in the community (real world) through volunteering etc

in general, college leadership positions are a total joke... all of the past sTuDEnT pReSidEnTs (and VPs) from my highly ranked college are in generic mid level marketing positions etc

 

[deleted1025488]

Is it really? I'm not an adcom, but, as a student, given how many clubs and leadership positions are available at each school, to me they seem like one of the most superficial, least impactful ways to show anything other than application box checking. Nothing wrong with it if you enjoy it, but don't kid yourself into thinking being chosen to serve in one or more of the umpteen "leadership" positions in one or more of the umpteen clubs on campus shows character or exceptional anything to an adcom. Being a low level volunteer in a homeless shelter, hospice or soup kitchen, etc. shows way more of both. JMHO.

I think if you're in a club or organization you care about and end up getting a leadership naturally, that's more than enough as long as you are having some sort of impact (which you probably are if you care about the org.) I don't think there's a need to look for the most scarce or unique leadership position in your area just for the sake of doing so. If your leadership position ends up having an effect on your app decision it'll probably be in interviews when you're talking about it, where you won't be able to bs anyway.