Why Leadership Experience Makes College and Job Applications Stand Out

While employers and colleges often consider the GPAs of their applicants, that’s far from the only thing they consider. Students’ unique achievements, experiences, and qualities also influence the decisions about who makes the best-fit candidates. Among thousands of names and grades, leadership experience helps students stand out. A record of leading and guiding peers demonstrates desirable qualities like social responsibility, initiative, self-sufficiency, and more. With that in mind, no better place exists for students to gain ample leadership experiences than a military boarding school. 

Families and individuals seeking a military boarding school for boys or girls can look to Massanutten Military Academy. Our esteemed institution provides a holistic educational experience that pushes young people to reach their potential. We set cadets up for success by combining leadership training, academic rigor, and character development. To learn more about our admissions process, call (540) 459-2167 today!

Below, we explore the qualities that leadership experiences instill in cadets to help them stand out on college applications: 

Whether it involves students completing difficult group projects or seasoned employees teaching a new hire, organizational success relies on socially conscious team members who assist and fulfill their responsibilities to one another. Admissions and hiring teams can recognize that sense of social responsibility, which demonstrates that an applicant will enrich their community. 

Social responsibility is central to military education, and Massanutten’s leadership training hinges upon it. Although cadet leaders may have personal goals, they also learn that their team's failure is their failure and vice versa. Thus, leadership training informs cadets about the importance of fulfilling social duties, a mindset that can give them an edge in any admissions process. 

Every organization’s dream applicant is a motivated individual, willing to take proactive steps toward growth. Leadership experiences encourage our cadets to dream big, take ownership of their goals, and seek new challenges. To a university or employer, this differentiates the best and brightest from everyone else. They want upstanding candidates who can take charge, manage responsibilities, and positively influence others.

Leadership roles require students to make decisions and be accountable for outcomes. Navigating such responsibilities helps students build self-sufficiency, which will help them thrive in their transition to a new career or university. In the workplace, this self-sufficiency translates to a productive employee who can problem-solve and complete complex tasks alone. At a university, it can mean a student who will take ownership of their studies and is willing to tackle challenging assignments. 

Many of us will reach a time when we must rely on others for a helping hand. Conversely, we will also encounter moments when we must serve that function for others. Leadership experiences nurture collaboration through routine teamwork, drills, and more. Whether a student is off to their first full-time position or continuing their education at a university, collaborative skills are an attractive quality that will lay the foundation for success.