It's never too late... 
...to pursue and explore your interests and talents. Like to write? Email the editor of the school newspaper and sign up to be the newest staff writer. Interested in the arts? Volunteer to help build sets for the next theater production. Not only is it rewarding to be involved, but colleges notice students who can manage their time and make a difference in their community.

Embrace commitment.
Try a handful of clubs and activities in grades 9 and 10. Narrow and deepen your focus in grade 11. Stay involved through grade 12, take on leadership roles, and leave your mark through sustained commitment. Pick up new friends and learn important skills like public speaking, teamwork, and project planning along the way.
 
Dig deeper.
This summer, balance fun and needed downtime with meaningful activities. Work experience, an online course via Coursera or edX, or classes on a university campus, like those at OSC, Lanterna or Oxford Royale, will expand your horizons. Enjoy exploring academic interests.
 
Piece it together.
Make your involvement count. Do the activities fit your academic interests and other strengths? Be thoughtful when choosing how to spend your valuable time. Put the pieces together to craft the cohesive story that is uniquely YOU.

From Forbes Magazine:
Duke's Dean Of Admissions: Who Gets Into Top Colleges, Why And What Makes The Difference
The competition to land a spot at America’s top colleges is as fierce as ever. An inside look at the mysterious process of admissions, plus what students and parents should be doing to have the ultimate advantage.

Interested in straight talk from the Admissions Dean at a highly selective US university?  Christoph Guttentag of Duke University tells it like it is.  Grab your popcorn and a comfy seat, and listen to over 40 minutes of insightful comments on almost all aspects of the college application, from the impact of course selections, to recommendations, and everything in between.