<p>@hopingforbetter: Here is a better way to clarify some misconceptions presented here. You need to look at how average incoming students are differentiating themselves. Then, you need to evaluate how you are doing in comparison. This DOES NOT mean that you should do something exactly like them. Rather, your activities should be similar in prestige to theirs at your country. If it isn’t, do not bother applying. There are an endless amount of activities to do anywhere you are; it takes imagination. This is primarily what colleges want to see. Are you a future change maker or have you yet to learn that? All types of standardized courses allow you to show academic rigor and preparation, so do not worry about that if you are capable of doing well in them with respect to all those taking the same type of exam.</p>