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[quote=Anonymous]Agree with so much that has been said here.
For what it's worth, my advice would be:

-do as well as they can in their classes
-take courses that challenge them - rigor is important but to whatever level is appropriate for them. 
-while standardized tests might someday go away - I don't think so - do test prep.  Discover if your child is more comfortable with the SAT or ACT - and prep to do as well as they can.
-do service work that they find meaningful, not that ticks a box,
-think deep, not wide.  Service work - and definitely hobbies - that help tell a story of who this student is, will resonate with college admissions.  As well as making the world a better place!
Not many kids are into fishing - that's a very cool potential area to tell your child's story.  Why do they like it, what does it mean to them - this can be the subject of the main essay or one of several supplemental essays they will have to write.
Are there ways to craft some service work around his/her hobbies?  A way to give back through fishing or skiing?  I'll bet there is something cool there. That is far more interesting and impactful than just doing the service work that is popular in your area, that so many kids do.
Thinking about all of this in middle school is perfect.  Don't wait until high school.

Something we learned in this process is that just because your child's GPA and test scores, and transcript rigor, seem to be a comfortable fit with a college - because they receive so many applications - schools like that (not talking top top here) are a "reach" for everyone.  It's all about admissions acceptance rates.

Start visiting campuses informally when you are in the vicinity.  Over time it will help your child rule out basics like big/small, urban/rural, small liberal arts vs huge state flagship.  Don't believe the marketing materials they will flood you with.  Do some research on paying for college.  It can be fun visiting campuses.  Be sure to someday compile a brutally realistic college list, with an equal mix of reach, target, and safety.  Be realistic about what a target school means.  It's not Villanova for anyone right now, for instance.  Acceptance rates rule.

Stories you hear from this and last year about how difficult the process was, and how things have changed, are true.  But it is also true that there are so many great schools out there and your child will be happy wherever they find their fit - and many schools will fit that bill.

Your child will work hard in high school.  But they deserve to be happy during that time - it's essential that they are.  They should do their best.  But they should balance as much as possible.
Do not listen to parents who stress you out.  Many have great advice though too.  If you balance that, and remain calm and happy, it will mean the world to your child.  Kids are very aware that so many of us whether we admit it or not, are competitive with other parents on this issue.  Kids on the other hand are very supportive of one another.  We can be their safe happy place, the person who says you are good enough right now the way you are, and you will have a happy future no matter what.

Well I guess I sermonized here.  Sorry! 
There are many positive and informative tidbits on this site, and a lot of great people.
Rooting for and your child.  
All the best to you.
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