How important are leadership positions for schools like USC and Vanderbilt? If I’m not an URM or have any leadership positions, am I automatically off the hooks? Are there any other (top 50) schools that make leadership positions a big deal? Any top 50 schools that might not care too much about super unique ECs (maybe more geared towards 2200 SAT)? And finally, does having <$15k income and living in public housing (the ghetto/projects) count as a hook? Thanks.
Yes, for some schools living in public housing with a lower family income is a hook at some colleges- I assume you ar first generation as well? Think more broadly about leadership. There is probably something you do, maybe outside of school, that counts. Not having leadership is not a deal breaker. It is pretty impressive that you have a 2200 SAT without fancy test prep or a ton of resources
Look at applying through Questbridge, and which schools are affiliated with it.
Being low income is not a hook, but applying through Questbridge (a program specifically for people of low-income backgrounds) will help your chances.
Leadership is important, leadership positions are not as they are often a popularity contest.