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Participate in a specialized high school program -

All over the US and possibly in other countries, many colleges or universities will offer specialized programs where students can come and learn real-life skills and get a small taste of what college life is like.

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Take a college class -

Many colleges offer summer programs that are open to high school students. It will allow you to experience what it's like to come to campus, take a course, and live in the dorms. This experience is something you can highlight in an admissions essay.

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Get involved with research -

If you can get experience in a lab as a high school student, it's very impressive to universities. Don't be afraid to do cold outreach to universities with a lab or ask your parents if they know a professor by chance.

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Create your own project -

Universities want to see that you have goals and take the initiative to follow and complete them. One idea is to teach yourself how to program or code. Once you learn, you can create an app or other program to showcase when you apply for college.

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Take a free online class -

With free online courses, you have access to courses either in real-time or previously recorded from professors at places such as Harvard and Stanford. You'll be able to learn new skills and be better prepped for university life.

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Get a job -

Whether you're working to help your family with income or simply to learn new skills, having a job is sure to impress colleges. It shows you have skills like time management, professionalism, and attention to detail (amongst others).

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Be an entrepreneur -

Start a business in your community alone or with friends. It can be anything from babysitting to dog walking or teaching tech skills to elderly neighbors. Being an entrepreneur shows that you take initiative and can take something from an idea to an actual product or service.

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Volunteer in your community -

Universities prefer to see commitment and continuity to one activity than one-off activities. Pick something you care about and volunteer an hour or two a week throughout your high school career. Then, by the time you graduate, you will have accumulated an impressive amount of hours volunteered.

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Apply for internships -

Internships are opportunities to work at a company, lab, or non-profit for free and for a set amount of time. These are often very useful as they teach life skills and give you the experience to discuss in an admissions essay or resume.

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Find a job-shadowing opportunity -

Job shadowing usually involves observing or doing tasks professionally to get an idea of what jobs and fields you like (or don't). Be proactive and ask if you can help with anything like filing or sitting in meetings while you're there.

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Start your SAT or ACT test prep -

In the summer, it can be a great time to explore college readiness exams like the SAT and ACT. Pick up a test prep book and dedicate time each day or week to studying and taking practice exams.

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Make college visits -

College can be a huge step in life so make sure you check out campuses and explore where you'd like to go. Every campus will have its own look, feel, and culture. Go with friends or family and have fun with it!

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Use your imagination -

It's time to get creative! Think up things you can do as a group (universities love to see collaboration). For example, pick up and renovate a small area of your town that's run down. Keep track of who did what and how it all came together.

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Choose your high school classes with intention -

It's important to think through what you want to be when you're older and take classes that will align and help you accomplish this. For example, if you want to be an engineer then advanced math classes will be essential to your success.

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Strive for good grades -

Admissions committees will definitely be looking at your grades. While you don't have to earn straight A's or perfect scores, strive to do your absolute best. Make the most out of every class you take so you not only learn the content but so you can assess if you enjoy it.

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Tell the story of who you are -

In your actual application, elaborate on who you are, give examples, and don't be afraid to shine. Whether something was "good" or "bad" it helped shape you and your experiences are valuable.

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Keep accurate records -

It's so important to document the things you try and the accomplishments you achieve. You will have so many things going on and it will be easy to forget things if they aren't written down in one specific place. Keeping accurate records will give you somewhere to pull from for your admissions essay and resume.

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Manage your social media presence -

While it's unlikely an admissions officer would check every prospective student's social media, it is becoming more common. If a school is on the fence about accepting you, there's a possibility they could check. Be sure  your online presence is a good one.

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Get to know everything you can about your school -

Just like you should research a prospective employer, be sure to research your future school. You can even take it a step further and try reaching out to a key faculty member who sparks your scholastic interest. Perhaps they have interesting research or teach a subject you know some about, start networking early.

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Apply early and follow the application instructions to the letter -

Submit your application in advance and as early as possible. It shows that you're confident in your decision to apply to the particular school. Give yourself ample time and ensure you read the instructions and follow them. 

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Don’t try to over-impress -

Being humble can go a long way with college applications. While you want to be confident, being cocky is a no-go. Share your accomplishments but don't over-sell the significance of them.

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Use a little humor -

We are all people—even the admissions committee. Make sure you try and show some personality and humor in your college application. Be cautious though about what you show, and always be respectful and thoughtful of others.

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Include supplementary materials -

Be sure to pay attention, and if supplementary materials are requested, then include them. If a cover letter is requested, for example, be sure not to overlook it.

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Take advanced placement courses -

Advanced placement courses can show the admissions committee that you went above and beyond what was required of you. These are often harder courses where you must pass an exam at the end to get college credit awarded.

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Take honors courses -

Honors courses are usually those that are a bit more challenging but usually don't give you college credit at the end. They can help you challenge yourself an extra level and learn even more skills to apply to your admissions application.

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Take international baccalaureate (IB) and college courses -

If they're available at your school, take college-level or IB classes. Not only will you get a head start on earning college credit but you show admissions committees that you have a proven ability to handle it.

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Obtain some solid letters of recommendation -

Letters of recommendation can go a long way with admission committees. Consider asking people you've known for a while and who have seen you at your scholastic and even professional best.

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Engage in leadership roles -

When you join clubs in high school, try to take on leadership roles. Not only will you have the chance to help your school and the club but you can learn and practice being an authority figure and having influence.

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Develop a strong personal brand -

Personal brands are key for those applying to college or university. A personal brand encompasses everything from your scholastic performance to leadership opportunities you took and even to how you treat others. 
Sources: (The Princeton Review) (Great Value Colleges)
See also: The hardest colleges to get into in the US

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