UNC Chapel Hill, passed on the oldest child, how to improve chances for the second?

There’s really no formula for “improving” Admissions when we never know exactly what the Admissions officers will be looking for every year. But, you seem to be on the right track now. Have them use their summers wisely to immerse themselves in their interests and have them glean impactful experiences they can use later on. During the year, a laundry list of clubs is not important but rather the LEADERSHIP and IMPACT you make in those clubs, because that is what is reflected in the essays and activities, which is something to hone in on. Make sure you don’t show but tell. On the additional “resume” section, don’t include a resume but rather write about an experience in which you connected with others and what you learned/gained from them or vice versa. Make sure relationships with teachers and advisors are developed over time so they can write meaningful recommendations. But, again, no one knows what UNC is looking for and in the end they make many eye-raising choices on some extremely qualified students, of which your children seem to be. I’m sure they have/will have other great offers.