sng, don't worry, as applicants, we all overthink quite a bit. Just be assured that it'll all turn out well in the end if you do a good job.
(I know, it's easy for me to say this
)
But any good leadership experience is good. For example, I used one at work that has nothing to do with my background or even business. It was all about leading a team of volunteers where there is a team hierarchy, but I had no direct power over them. I talked a lot about how to motivate a team from cross-functional organizations and why they were willing to listen to me. Also talk about concrete results of your "leadership" actions.
As for Short #4 and Long #2, it's a common question for Haas applicants. I had this question when I applied, so you're not really overthinking.
Here's the difference (as far as I convinced myself
):
For Short #4, they want to know the specific ACTIONS you took to get to know Haas. Websites, talking to students, infosessions, class visits, learning about clubs, etc... and WHY (why is VERY important in ALL your essays) those activities made you want to go to Haas even more. Yes, doing that in 250 words is quite a challenge, but you just have to be brief, concise and to the point.
For Long #2, they want to know why Haas' MBA degree can help you achieve your short and long term goals. This is where you talk about Haas' curriculum, strong points, professional clubs, programs that help you succeed in your career, etc...
Very fine line, but if you think about it, the difference is there. I would say Short #4 wants to know exact actions and what you like about Haas' culture, while Long #2 wants to know how Haas affects you CAREER wise and the professional reasons you're picking Haas over other schools to apply to.
The other strategy is to have a list of reasons why you want to go to Haas, and just talk about some of them in the short answer and the rest in the long essay. I thought of it as a great way to give myself more room to talk about "Why Haas".
Hope that helps!