Something I picked up on and nobody has responded to yet.
Girl Scouts.
If you are still active in the GSA at this point, than you should be pretty high up there. Kind of like BSA going for Eagle.
I just joined GSA about a year ago; I asked my parents to join because I was jealous of my brother, who participates in BSA. Because I started late, I am have doubts as to if I will be able to get my gold, or even a silver, star. I have, however, been looking to switch to a high adventure troop (coed) because that was a lot of the reason I joined Girl Scouts.
As a sophomore or junior, don't worry about the CFA. I would instead pay attention to trying to apply for the summer program that they offer for juniors.
~ Take that PSAT!
I will be taking my PSAT, partially because the SAT is an important part of the application process and I need the prep, partially because my school requires all sophomores to take it.
Key club in the schools my kids attended was basically a square filler for Key Club. Anyone could join. I don't know about your area, but it is probably why people are asking about what it is. Our Key Club sells the HS apparel, it is basically the booster club.
Get some leadership, and GSA may be your best bet.
Key Club is a pretty easy club to participate in, that's true, but they do require some kind of proof of participation and give little certificate things for participation. I'm also registered in the NGAGE program with United Way, which will be my accredited source of community service because they do not tally hours unless the group you performed them with submits an approval. Our Key Club is mostly a place to find service opportunities; I have a focus on community service hours because it is something I enjoy and well have some kind of slot on an application. I may or may not run for office next year out of sheer peer pressure, whether that's good or not is TBD. I do, however, plan on participating in NHS my junior and senior years, so possibly running for board positions there may also provide the leadership opportunities I need.
I believe you need sports, but you can also think outside of the box. You stated you did TKD, but gave it up for a gym membership. How about next year you get a job that is athletic? IE get your lifesaving certificate and become a life guard at your local Y? Or go to the local dojo and get a job as a martial arts instructor.
~ It can offset the lack of sports from an EC perspective.
Think always that this is a Whole Candidate Score. It is not just one thing.
I have been asking my parents about competitive shooting for some time, so I may or may not start that shortly. I also looked into fencing, but my parents think that shooting may be better because I have little T-Rex arms and anything involving direct combat would generally put me at a (if only light) disadvantage, as seen previously in TKD.
I previously devoted myself to the summer camp I've been volunteering at, but life guarding might be a job I enjoy... I've done swim team in the past and am a proficient swimmer. Martial arts instructor would probably take me a while to get because I dropped off at a blue belt with a long ways to go.
