Your bestie is the student council prez, your sis just snagged her dream internship and your brother has had a 4.0 since pre-K…but meanwhile? Your resume is looking a little sparse, and you’re afraid that when college application szn rolls around, you may not have much to write about. But what better time to rejuvenate your resume than right now? If this fear is hitting hard, read on for easy things to do to impress colleges and show off your skills (even without straight A’s!) this year.

Find a Theme 

If there’s a common thread running through each of your extracurriculars, it makes you seem less robotic and more driven (plus, your work within your theme could come in handy on your application essays). If you’re super involved in Model UN, debate and mock trial, then maybe public speaking is your thing (future lawyer loading?). If you’re a seasoned babysitter and heart volunteering at the children’s shelter? You could try focusing your extracurriculars around helping out kids.

Once you have your theme locked down, the rest is easy. If you decide to take on new things to boost your resume, build them around what your extracurriculars are already focused on. Having a clear direction and drive (even if it’s not related to your major at all) will make you a standout applicant. After all, there are perfect students galore, but students with a real passion and a measurable impact? Those are harder to find.

Get a Job

Having a job as a teen shows colleges that you’re industrious, responsible and hardworking, and who doesn’t want those stats on their app? Plus, it’s great to practice life skills for when you’ll be on your own in college. Whether it’s serving sammies at the local deli, interning at a marketing agency or lifeguarding at the indoor pool, snagging a part-time gig (even if it’s just on weekends) is a great resume booster—and low-key solid way to make some cash.

Plan a Fundraiser

As great as good grades are, what colleges are really looking for is someone who will take the initiative to make a difference. That’s why planning a fundraiser or day of service will totally amp up your application! Not only will it look fab on your resume, but (even more importantly) it will help people. too! And, no worries–you don’t have to launch a million-dollar nonprofit with chapters in 57 countries to help. Organizing a simple food drive or toy collection in your local town or county with the help of your fam, friends or classmates can help more people than you know. Since a fundraiser is sorta a one-time thing, it’s super low-commitment for all of us busy girls, but high impact for the community *and* your resume.

Be a Leader

No need to pull class president to impress colleges—most schools have at least one tiny, underrated club that you could swoop in and take charge of. Is your school chess club lacking in numbers? Colleges don’t know that. For all they know, becoming president of that one five-person club could be just as impressive at *your* school as dominating NHS. And, if you can manage to improve your club a little along the way? Even better. Colleges love to see a passion project, and adopting a smaller club is a great way to show leadership and drive. (And, psst, if you’re up for a little more commitment, the only thing that looks better than taking charge of a club is starting one of your own!)

More college hacks, right this way…
📝 Your College Decision Season Survival Guide
🌸 Here’s The Stress-Free Way To Prep For College
🛏️ What You *Don’t* Need For Your College Dorm

Images: @hallessimmons_, @efeschangeyear, @mariefhm, @thru.kass.lens, @paraleehossack