<p>At my high school, virtually all leadership positions were popularity contests. The same people managed to be officers in every club. Quite disheartening. But I started two of my own clubs (although before senior year) and managed to finagle my way into a bunch of leadership positions mostly by blind perseverance. So while I get where you’re coming from, I find it hard to believe that if you weren’t willing you couldn’t find a couple leadership roles in certain clubs/sports. Also, colleges can see through people starting/joining clubs in their senior year - it’s a pretty transparent method of resume boosting at the last minute. </p>
<p>You say that you’ve been in a lot of clubs in HS. If these are activities you’ve been doing (for the most part) for your three to four years then I wouldn’t worry all too much. Of course leadership positions are important, but I think that dedication to a club can often have the same effect. Don’t water down your resume with a new club just joined/started in your senior year…UNLESS you start a club that has a real personal purpose. </p>
<p>As for this: </p>
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<p>In my personal experience, clubs really don’t take up too much of your time. It’s more about getting off your derriere and being socially involved than real time killers. Music and sports are different I’d say. Most people that go to top schools don’t have to weigh whether they want to take an AP class or join some clubs - they do both.</p>