do colleges care about what you did in 8th grade

Applying to College
1

okay I recognize that this is a stupid question and that they probably don’t but look guys one of the only times I ever showed leadership or initiative was at the end of 8th grade okay?

we had a music teacher that was retiring and since I was in the band I organized a committee to raise money for a goodbye present for her AND the other band director, I asked people to sign a card, I gathered donations and bought the presents and sent out emails to band parents and presented the gifts at the final band concert and that’s like the only “leadership” I’ve ever done

2

Now take this a step further and do it in high school, on a consistent basis, not just collecting money for a present.

Kids, your age, have mobilized thousands of others, promoting legislative changes.

Student leaders see a need, and then help where the need is: environmental concerns, homelessness, food pantries, etc.

Those are future leaders that the colleges are noticing.

3

Absolutely not worth mentioning on a college application (I wouldn’t even mention it if you did something similar in HS). For a middle school achievement to be mentioned on a college application it would have to be something extraordinary – along the lines of an Olympic gold medal.

4

I wouldn’t call getting someone a gift “leadership”. You have plenty of time to do something more meaningful unless you’re graduating next month. Work as a camp counselor over the summer, not much but it’ll show some sort of leadership and organization skills.

5

I would say not to mention that. It’s too far back :frowning:

6

Unless you committed a major felony, behavior before high school is irrelevant. Relax!

7

I think that is good leadership…for 8th grade.

You thought of an idea, got others interested, and then implemented the idea.

So as you go through HS, think about the same things. WHat things are you interested in? What can you do to make them better?

8

Agree, carry the experience forward and think what you can do to mobilize support for something else you care about.