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It's not that I don't believe the anecdotes, but I think they can be interpreted in different ways. Overachievers/high grades/great test scores/club presidents; one usually follows the other, but they don't need to.
Hey, look, I accidentally came onto your cafe, thinking I was in the Admissions forum. I'm a parent of a graduated high school senior, and I'm a high school teacher of high achieving students. I am also the school advisor of one of our honor societies. With these students, I go on college visits as field trips, attend college fairs, and sit in with department heads for group discussions regarding admissions and their majors. Because of this program, I have personally talked with countless admissions representatives.
I understand your impression of club president= needed for admission into top schools. That's what you will see here on CC, because the kids who report here are overachievers.
I'm not trying to tell you that you're wrong. I'm trying to say is that there are many ways of getting to your goal. Many of my students kids get into Ivy League schools and other top tier 1 schools; my own son included. Some do follow the formula, because that's the kind of students they are. However, many are top students in other ways. As for my son, believe me, he was never president of anything. He was just generally well-rounded, and then he focused on his specific interests. He's certainly not an anomaly in this situation.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't try to be club president if that's what you want to do. I'm saying that you don't need to be. I'm saying admissions people are looking for passion in your interests. If you feel that you need to follow the formula, that's perfectly fine. Remember, though, that the competition for the top schools is beyond fierce. You need to find a way to stand out from the other applicants. Exclusively following the formula won't separate you from the masses.
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