Among the most popular and useful activities students choose are:

• Early College Programs at any number of colleges and universities both in and outside of the U.S.

• Career exploration programs, also offered at many colleges

• Summer travel with family or as part of an organized group (make sure that you include an element of enrichment or education as opposed to just sitting around in the sun)

• Language immersion programs

• Special summer programs or camps around an interest such as computers, music or community service, work or internships, independent study or research

If the above sounds too expensive, some programs offer substantial aid for students who need it. Check it out.

6. SPECIAL TALENTS, OFF-BEAT HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Colleges seem to be especially attracted to students who are superstars in anything from Aboriginal Art to Zymosan Research. They also seem to love students who have interests and hobbies that are rare, even off-beat. Perhaps this comes from the boredom factor of the admissions officers having to read hundreds and thousands of very similar applications and essays year after year.

If you are passionate about something, even better if you have become somewhat of an expert, be sure to inform colleges. Likewise if over the years you have become fascinated by anything unusual (exotic animals, bee keeping, bell ringing, the start of some quaint business, collections of any sort, uncommon language lessons, the manufacture of new or out-of-the-ordinary products, special environmental concerns, fire fighting, orchid growing, running for local office, skeet shooting, trapese flying, yodeling, you name it), don't stop because you think colleges will think it's silly. You never know - this might be the very thing that helps you to stand out from the other applicants, and gets you into a school.