To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at:
👉 apply.admittedly.co

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel breaks down why it feels like leadership titles are losing value in modern, holistic college admissions and what admissions officers are actually looking for when it comes to extracurricular involvement.

For years, students have been told to chase titles like "president," "founder," or "co-founder" to stand out. But as more applicants follow the same playbook, these titles have become increasingly common (and far less meaningful). Admissions officers are no longer impressed by titles alone. They are looking for something deeper: initiative, ownership, and real impact.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership titles like "president" and "founder" are no longer strong differentiators on their own.
• Admissions officers prioritize initiative, impact, and sustained engagement over titles.
• Starting a club without building it into something meaningful rarely adds value.
• Leadership can be demonstrated within existing organizations — not just by creating new ones.
• Growth and responsibility in real-world environments (jobs, nonprofits) carry strong credibility.
• Initiative — identifying a problem and acting on it — is often more powerful than formal leadership.
• The most compelling applicants show ownership, follow-through, and measurable results.

Conclusion

Leadership in today's admissions landscape is not about titles — it's about action. Students who take ownership, create impact, and engage deeply with what they care about will stand out far more than those who simply follow a formula.

If you're looking for guidance on how to build a strong, strategic extracurricular profile, you can book a Complimentary Strategy Call here:
👉 apply.admittedly.co

🔗 Explore more admissions resources: admittedly.co/resources 
📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco