<p>I just posted this to another thread, but I think it is pretty applicable here:</p>
<p>I was just admitted to the Class of 2013, and I never had an earth-shattering experience. </p>
<p>I am white and middle class from Pennsylvania, pretty run-of-the-mill.</p>
<p>So here’s what I think made the difference. Around the start of my sophomore year, I knew I was stretching myself pretty thin trying to look like I was a high achiever. I was in so many random activities I couldn’t even tell you what they all were. So I decided that I loved to play sports, sing, and take math and language classes… and I put all of my energy into doing these few things excellently for the following three years. And in the end, not only did this help me get into college, but I feel like I actually had a good high school experience. Rather than dragging myself through a mad attempt to be involved and in charge of everything, I was able to really care about what I was doing (while still maintaining a degree of well-roundedness).</p>
<p>And when you get around to your actual college process… do whatever you have to do to put your scores in the 1500+ range. I saw friends of mine who were incredibly awesome and qualified get denied or waitlisted because of average scores (I know this because our guidance counselors call admissions to ask). Also, make sure to put a lot of energy into EVERY supplement you do. Trust me, they can tell… and it makes all the difference.</p>
<p>Good luck though!!</p>