Sure, everyone knows that a near flawless GPA and an eye-popping SAT or ACT score are sure-fire ways to impress college admissions committees.
But how can you take that extra step? How can you be the cream that floats triumphantly to the top? Participation in school clubs, especially holding leadership positions, is one way to be stand out.
Participation in National Honor Society, yearbook and the school paper are classic examples of stellar extracurriculars. But college admissions officers want to be surprised. So consider lesser-known clubs when you start plotting your entrance into your dream school, preferably beginning your first year of high school. Nothing at your school that you think fits the bill? How about starting your own club?
Here are some ideas:
If you’re a die-hard ping pong enthusiast, why not start a ping pong club at your school? Hosting tournaments will showcase your leadership, organization and follow-through abilities.
Love fashion? Start a fashion club. Design your own clothes. Window shop as a group. Plan what you’ll wear to the next formal. 
What about a unicycle club? Learn and teach your classmates to unicycle, then plan mass rides around town. Nerdy is the new cool, right?
Whatever club you start, don’t just start it and be done. Plan events, fundraisers, recruit members and have fun. You’ll learn lots, and it’ll be another notch on your belt come application season.