<p>I've felt like I've focused too much on just school, no extracurriculars, and not that much volunteering to be honest. I have a 4.3 weighted GPA right now, but I really do feel that when compared to all the other posters on college confidential, compared to those hundreds of thousands of other applicants, I'm just a wallflower, something even less. I don't stand out, and even though I do play an instrument (piano) at home, am involved in two lame clubs, and participate in a sport (tennis), I'm not so actively engaged and passionate about it. Maybe it's the fact that my parents work full time so I can't really participate in the things that I want to, and we can't really afford a lot of it? Sorry if this is like a self-pitying party here, but I really do want to improve so I have a better chance of getting into a good college next year. I've been wanting to go to a prestigious college, but it seems that my chances are slim, considering that I live in a large urban area with plenty of other high schoolers to compete with. Hmm, maybe it also has to do with the fact that I'm waiting for my SAT II Subject test scores and they're not up yet...</p>
<p>First off, you have to ask yourself 1) what do you like? and 2) what could you possible enjoy doing? In order to stand out, you don’t have to win a bunch of awards. You could express your passion in unique and unusual ways. Seek ways to express your individuality. If you don’t like the clubs you’re in, why join them? From now on, focus on finding your passion and taking it to the next level. You could even start your own clubs, found an organization in a cause you believe in etc…There are endless possibilites. And by the way, colleges do not just want to see a stellar academic record, they also want to see that in everything you do, you give 100% and you’re continually striving to do your best. Good luck :)</p>
<p>Starting your own clubs gets you some MAJOR brownie points for colleges. It tells a lot about you- mainly that there’s something that you were passionate about and you went through all the trouble to find a sponsor and members so that you could share your passion with others. It’s also better than just having a leadership position in like 13 other clubs (as I know some who pull that scheme…). microphakia pretty much gave perfect advice, so just follow that, and keep on truckin’.</p>
<p>Thank you for answering, I really appreciate it 
I’ll just keep on doing my best and see how it goes</p>