The most impressive things on a high school resume?

Howdy! I'm halfway through junior year and starting to think about college applications. I want my resume to really stand out, but I'm not exactly sure what would be considered 'impressive'. Any thoughts on what kinds of experiences, activities, or achievements are generally the most impressive on high school resumes? It would be great to hear your opinions.

When colleges review resumes, they're looking for indications of commitment, leadership, and genuine engagement. They want to see how a student spends their time outside of academics and what passions they have pursued. Here are some key elements colleges find impressive:

1. Consistency and commitment: Long-term involvement in an activity indicates dedication and passion. If you've been part of a club or organization for multiple years, especially if you've taken on progressively larger roles, this will catch the eye of college admissions officers.

2. Leadership roles: Positions like club president, team captain, or lead in a play demonstrate leadership and responsibility. These roles show your ability to manage others, organize events or projects, and take initiative.

3. Awards and achievements: These highlight your specific abilities and skills. This could be an athletic championship, a high placement in a science fair, or recognition like National Merit or an AP Scholar award.

4. Volunteering and community service: This shows that you care about contributing to your community and that you've taken the initiative to do something about it. This could be volunteering at a local food bank, organizing a fundraiser for a charitable cause, or regular tutoring.

5. Work experience: This can demonstrate responsibility, time management, and professional skills. Whether it's a summer job, part-time work during the school year, or an internship tied to your intended major, this experience can be beneficial.

6. Tier 1 and Tier 2 extracurriculars: These are highly impressive to colleges because they showcase achievements and leadership at high levels. For example, winning a national science competition, being the top-ranked musician in your state, or serving as the captain of a state championship team are highly valued by admissions officers.

7. Unique experiences: Have you pursued a non-traditional interest or hobby? Maybe you started your own small business, carried out a unique research project, or hosted a local art exhibit. These experiences show initiative, creativity, and innovation.

Remember, the most impressive resume isn't necessarily the one crammed full of activities - quality is more important than quantity. Admissions officers prefer to see deep involvement in a few areas where you're genuinely passionate rather than superficial participation in a lot of clubs or activities.