Worried about how a few C’s on your high school transcript might affect your chances of admission into a competitive college? Frustrated that your class rank is several percentage points below what your top-choice college expects? Rather than stress about second-rate SAT scores or lament that you fall short of the top 25 percent of your class, find a different way to stand out from the thousands of high school seniors who will be competing with you for a spot in a college.
It’s never too late to do something remarkable. Whether you are a freshman or a senior, here are some achievements that will not only make you feel great about yourself, but will also grab the attention of college admissions counselors.
*Start a school organization. You’ve always wished there were a debate team or a ski club at your school, so do something about it! *Found a community-service organization. What societal problems do you feel compelled to solve? *Capitalize on your talents. If you are proficient in art or creative writing, don’t just settle for the praise of your teachers. Enter (and win!) an art competition, or submit your writing to a journal other than your school’s literary magazine. Don’t let the fear of rejection stop you. *Take a leadership position. You’ve joined an organization that you truly love, so why settle for just being a member? You have the same potential as anyone else to successfully lead an organization. *Do what you love. Do you love working with animals? Volunteer to raise a seeing-eye dog, or work at the local shelter.
Take your most obscure hobby or interest and use your proficiency in it to the advantage of others. You will feel an unparalleled sense of accomplishment, and colleges will note your distinctiveness
