<p>It depends on the particular college, what they are looking for in applicants and how selective they are. Some colleges greatly value ‘leadership’ positions in h.s. as a way to show how your were successful in an activity and reached a selective position that few others have done. It is a way of sorting out from the hundreds/thousands who apply so to say it doesn’t matter is incorrect. </p>
<p>To some schools it matters a LOT. However, you should strive for leadership positions in sports/ECA’s, etc. since it is something you think you can contribute to your h.s., can learn something about what being a leader is all about and it can help you grow as a person. Don’t strive for these things just to make your college resume look better.</p>
<p>It also matters to colleges what exactly you did while holding that leadership position. If you get voted in as president of some club and do nothing but hold a title that won’t really add anything to your college application. Some h.s. involve their students in actually organizing/running/leading various clubs…others do not and as you mentioned, some can be nothing more than a popularity contest.</p>