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admissions counselors look for</a> several characteristics to evaluate your leadership skills and potential.</p>
<p>A strong leader problem solves, helps and encourages others, promotes school activities and causes, maintains a positive attitude, and follows through. How well you fit those criteria comes across in your extracurricular activities, your personal essay, and your <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/good-college-recommendation-letters-tips">recommendation letters</a>.</p>
<h2>Leadership Opportunities for High School Students</h2>
<p>Thankfully, high school students have plenty of leadership opportunities. Any activity you participate in presents an opportunity for you to showcase and develop your leadership skills.</p>
<p>Areas where you can become a leader or gain leadership experience in high school include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Work (job, internship, etc.)</li>
<li><a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/benefits-of-volunteering-in-high-school">Volunteering and community service</li>
<li>Tutoring or student advising</li>
<li><a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/playing-a-sport-in-college-becoming-college-athlete">Athletics
<li>The arts (band, choir, theater, dance, etc.)</li>
<li>Publications (yearbook, student newspaper, literary magazine)</li>
<li>Student government</li>
<li>Your house of worship</li>
</ul>
<h2>Leadership Positions in High School</h2>
<p>To be a leader, you don’t need a title, but it can make it easier to explain your role when speaking to colleges. What are leadership positions in high school? Here are some <strong><em>examples of leadership roles in high school</em></strong><em>. </p>
<ul>
<li>Student body president</li>
<li>Sports team captain</li>
<li>Section leader in band</li>
<li>Drum major</li>
<li>Shift manager at work</li>
<li>Editor-in-chief for the student newspaper</li>
<li>Club president, VP, treasurer, or historian</li>
<li>Club founder (starting a new club in high school)</li>
<li>Student school board representative</li>
</ul>
<p><img src=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/asset.plexuss.com/news/images/leadership-experience-in-high-school.jpg" alt="Leadership Experience in High School" width="400" height="250" /></p>
<h2>How to Develop Leadership Skills in High School</h2>
<p>Now that you know why leadership matters and what it can look like, it’s time to learn about leadership skills for high school students.. No one’s journey to leadership looks the same as anyone else’s, but the following high school leadership tips can get you started:</p>
<h3>Assess Your Strengths</h3>
<p>If you want to lead, it’s helpful to choose an activity you’re interested in or already skilled in. For example, if you love performing, apply to be stage manager for an upcoming production. If you have a heart for helping others, volunteer to head-up a food drive for the school. The possibilities are endless, but the more motivated you are by what you’re doing, the better leader you’ll be.</p>
<h3>Work on Your Communication Skills</h3>
<p>Good leaders do more than take charge. They effectively communicate. Take a communication class in high school and/or take advantage of opportunities to practice good communication. Listen intently in class, think before speaking, and practice good conflict management when working in groups.</p>
<h3>Maintain a Positive Attitude</h3>
<p>A leader sets the tone for the rest of the club, team, or group. If your team loses a big game or a performance goes awry, keep your emotions in check. Stay focused on the bigger picture and build up your team. If you display confidence and an optimistic attitude, your team will follow your lead. </p>
<h3>Work Your Way Up</h3>
<p>Attaining a leadership position won’t happen overnight. Pay your dues and position yourself to fill a leadership role in the future. Want to become editor-in-chief of the student newspaper? Start by writing articles, helping others as needed, meeting deadlines, and playing an active role in brainstorming sessions. It won’t be long before someone takes notice and you’re a top choice for the position.</p>
<h3>Find Solutions to Problems</h3>
<p>Leaders are problem-solvers by nature. Look for problems at your school and brainstorm ways that you can help solve them. For example, if you notice that new students are struggling to feel connected, talk to a teacher or a <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/how-high-school-guidance-counseors-can-help-with-college">guidance counselor</a> about starting a new student buddy system. Volunteer to lead the project with a staff member. This type of activity will set you apart from your peers because it shows the depth of your leadership abilities.</p>
<h3>Create Your Own Opportunities</h3>
<p>Don’t limit yourself to the activities already available at your school and in your community. Talk to your guidance counselor about what you need to do to start a new club. The process will test and develop your leadership skills as you navigate getting the club approved, recruiting members, creating by-laws, and planning meetings.</p>
<h3>Be More than Just a Figurehead</h3>
<p>Being elected Class President sounds impressive, but it only matters if you did something with that title. College admissions counselors aren’t fooled by buzzwords like President, Vice President, Treasurer, Historian, or Team Captain. They want to know what you did in that role that made a difference.</p>
<p>Plan a charitable fundraiser. Speak on behalf of other students at school board meetings. Put together an assembly. Start a mentoring program with a nearby elementary school. Do something that’s worth writing about and displays your capabilities as a student leader.</p>"/>
