<p>If I could go back to 9th grade, the one thing I would change is the ridiculous amount of irrelevant EC’s I did. Not that EC’s aren’t important, just make sure you choose quality over quantity. I just signed up for whatever I thought would look good on a college app and never thought about if I was actually passionate about it. Make sure whatever you do is what you love. That being said, it is important to keep in mind that there are some things that colleges look for that you should try to implement your passions into. For example, start a club. You want to show that you are a leader and that you take initiative towards the things you care about. In whatever EC you do, make sure you are in a leadership position. Also, keep your grades high! While grades are not everything, it sure does make it easier. Try to keep a 4. if you can, I know it is difficult, but it’s more than worth it. Also, summer internships, especially out of state ones that you either get paid for or got a scholarship to do (basically you just didn’t sign up and have your parents pay for it) look great. Try to do things that are uncommon and will stand out on your app. Start a unique charity, or begin your own business, write a book that makes the best selling list. While all these things so impressive, they’re easy to do if you set your mind on it. Also, study for your SATs/ACTs like crazy. Those tests are so easy, all you have to do is understand the way their set up and keep track of your progress. I recommend getting a prep-book (i recommend the ‘Real-ACT’ book if you’re taking the ACT) and do a practice test once a month for your entire 9th grade year. After you take the test, go through and make a list of the problems you got wrong. Take the problems and make a chart of which types of problems you get wrong. Then, just figure out what you’re doing wrong and fix it on the next test. Know what they’re looking for in the essays. Honestly, if you study for the next 3 years, getting a high 30 on your ACT should be a piece of cake. Goodluck!</p>