Pick your curriculum. Good grades are important for the admission process, but it is also important to take classes that challenge you. Consider testing into advanced classes if you have not already been placed in them. Your school counselor can help you plan a class schedule that shows your ambition in the classroom.
Extracurricular activities - Get involved! Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who take initiative and have varied interests. Join a club, get a part-time job, be a volunteer; all of these are great ways to develop your interests.
Begin a running list of accomplishments, awards and other recognition to include on college applications.
Listen and improve. Learn from your teachers’ constructive criticism of your work, apply their suggestions next time, repeat. You will be amazed at how fast the quality of your work improves.
