I think a smart kid can be savvy about how he approaches his apps and supps. I’m trying to get you to think outside the box. You want some colleges that look for this. Do the research, read their web sites. Maybe the light bulb will go on over your head. Then we can help you refine. Breathe. But try it. Think a little analytically when you do.
Right now, I think a few of us here think you’ll get past “first cut.” But that’s where the real, brutal competition begins. Think strategically.
Your “community service” is tutoring at the hs and the debate mentoring? No other organized activities? That would be odd. And you can get something else outside the hs, now and this summer. Then you have pieces to tie together.
Doorrealthe, it might have been the 15% that helped. All these top schools want to see what adds dimension, what shows a kid will do more than just pursue his major and a few major-related activities.