I will disagree with others a little on volunteering. Okay, no college requires it that I am aware of, but what kind of person would you rather admit? The one who only pleases himself, or the one who helps others? Colleges do want to admit people they like, and I think many would prefer a kid who volunteers, and works, and does things they are interested in over a kid who pretty much just does what they are interested in, and nothing else. Look at each college’s CDS. Even Harvard says they “consider” volunteering.
Many HSs require volunteering. Ours doesn’t, but too bad for my kids, because I do. So many American kids have no idea how good their lives are. Volunteering helps someone who needs it, even indirectly. Also, volunteering can lead to legitimate jobs. I myself have two jobs, both of which I got because I was able to use the volunteer coordinators as references. I then was offered a paying job at one of the places I volunteer. There are no cons to volunteering, only pros.