Any college insights you have, whether it's specific classes to take, certain extra activities, grade improvement strategies, SAT tips, or any extra stuff that helps you get into college, please list them here. ANYTHING! =]

First of all, for me:
That Extra Nudge:
For college I know that grades and SAT's/ACT's aren't everything, so I have been recently entering various contests to try and win distinguished scholarships/awards that can give me the extra boost I need. Also, I have started two clubs at my school that might also help me too. I also was involved with Marching Band and Winds and Percussion Band for 3 years, and now I'm currently in Jazz Band. I also took more challenging courses in senior year in order to show colleges that I have more determination. I also volunteer at Kaiser Permanente Hospital. I haven't taken any college summer courses yet, but I plan to and I highly recommend these because it's good for college experience.

Tip for ACT: for the science section, it's better to not read the descriptions and just look at graphs and answer. (Sadly, I learned this the second time I took the ACT.)

Tip for SAT: know a topic for the essay beforehand, and manipulate that topic around the questions asked on the test, it prepares you for any question.

Tip for Grade Improvements: Have study sessions with some people. I know it might sound really boring and tedious, but it actually helps sometimes. Or just read carefully-I recently discovered a lot of subjects are all about knowing how to read.

Honestly take as many honors classes as you can, at least! Its not much harder and it brings up your weighted gpa. Also take the SATS and ACTS your junior year...I really wish I would've; begin your college admissions and essays early because saving them all until your due date can be very stressful. Join after school clubs and nominate yourself for leadership positions, it looks extremely good on your college application especially because alot of colleges look for leadership roles and community service. My school makes me have 100 hours before you graduate; but I say 75 is good :)

Thanks for your great input guys...please post more ideas, I'm currently the President of a club that helps students become more aware and proactive with college before they have any time to regret their mistakes. So far, we have weekly discussions about recommended AP's, a 15minute SAT study, college app process, Q and A and then tutoring for the remainder of the lunch period. Any other ideas on what I should do in the club?

Sign up for Fastweb as soon as possible. I didn't sign up until mid junior year, and so I was clueless at what scholarships I was actually qualified for. Try registering freshman or sophomore year.

See your guidance conselor often.

Make yourself unique. Enter nextSTEP's SuperTeen Contest. Get your writing published (this forum's contest and TeenInk are good places to start). Keep a running list of all those "extras" that you do. Not only will this help YOU when applying for college and scholarships, but you can easily print it out and hand it to a teacher or pastor, making it easier for them to write a good letter of recommendation for you.

To help with your FAFSA (if you're a senior or above), try to wipe out your savings account. You'll probably need a new laptop for college anyway (and maybe a new car), so buy it now. The less money you have on January 1st, the more need-based aid you'll be qualified for.