Admit it: you’ve thought about your college application when joining a new club or extracurricular. We have, too. 

Many of us, including the people contributing to this editorial, are guilty of stretching ourselves too thinly across our community. It is important to take on new positions out of interest and passion, but, a lot of times, something else seems more urgent: impressing parents, peers—and maybe more than anything—universities. 

This idea of “marketing yourself as a leader” plagues all of us, perpetuating a lack of thoughtfulness and genuineness in a generation already growing increasingly superficial. 

Leadership is an essential part of education. Striving to be someone who is willing to stand out and initiate innovation is something students and colleges should both value, so it is critical that it’s emphasized in the application process. And as a college-preparatory school, it should be emphasized in our everyday lives as well.

If you’ve been on a college visit, it’s almost certain you’ve witnessed the pressure for demonstrated leadership. To colleges and universities, leadership correlates with interest, potential, commitment-the list goes on. This view, however, is far too limiting to be fair.

The Common Application allows 150 words for each activity. You get the same number of words for an editor position on a school paper or a counsellor at a summer camp for a week. By stressing mere indication of involvement, we undermined the importance of qualities like dedication and enthusiasm that are supposed to be valued the most. 

The popular image of a “leader” is someone who is outgoing, broadly involved, and always in the forefront. It’s true, we need people with the confidence to direct others and be in the limelight– but why is that the only model we value? 

We have created a system that favors extroverts over introverts and, thus, marginalizes a group that thrives in different ways. Introverts may be just as capable and knowledgeable and passionate but just aren’t as charismatic in expressing themselves.

What about the leaders who work behind-the-scenes to facilitate cooperation, work out logistics, or even help people get along, yet never get the recognition they may deserve? While they are essential to any organization’s success, they are labeled as followers. 

This fails to acknowledge some of the best attributes of a leader, such as cooperating with others, communicating well, and maybe most of all, listening. In this way, we degrade the work of countless others, and discourage them from continuing to pursue their interests in the role where they may be most comfortable and most effective. 

Our generation has been branded the “Participation Generation” as trophies and ribbons are doled out, and people are awarded for the bare minimum. Perhaps there is a correlation between this trend and the push for more titles. People expect good results to come out of little work and approach activities with a mentality of “How can I get the most benefits by doing the least amount of work?”

When being called “president” or “captain” becomes more important than a genuine passion, we encourage this insincere behavior. No matter how much time and effort you contribute, it all feels inadequate next to someone who has the title you lack.

In short, the definition of a leader needs to be expanded. Colleges must assess leadership based on how students can take advantage of the opportunities they are given and do something worthwhile with them, an ability not restricted to one or two students in an organization. In the current model, it seems that the loud and ambitious student will always overpower the quietly devoted one, and this needs to change.

As Susan Cain of the New York Times says, “If we’re looking for the students and citizens most likely to attain wealth and power, let’s admit it. Then we can have a frank debate about whether that is a good idea. But if instead we seek a society of caring, creative and committed people, and leaders who feel called to service rather than to stature, then we need to do a better job of making that clear.”

As much as we would like, the entire system isn’t going to magically perfect itself for us, but as individuals, we can address the situation. 

Take the time to explore different areas, develop interests, and let them grow. There doesn’t have to be a lightning bolt moment. 

Most importantly, however, challenge yourself to step outside of our skewed and often inauthentic culture when you become overwhelmed. Get involved in your community to do what you enjoy while upholding your personal values. 

And don’t worry about what the colleges might think.