Items to consider:
-Always apply early
-Ad coms know first year students like to procrastinate
-Always apply to more than one school
-If a college app. gives you the opportunity to write a personal statement...wow them.
-GPA obviously carries the most weight
-Odds of you getting in depend on how stiff the competition is for first year admission
-You always have to have a backup plan
-Last but not least, never let a rejection letter get you down. Students who take education seriously tend to let academic rejection scar their self esteem. Keep applying!!

BTW, I was a HOSA member in high school! I loved the clinical rotations.
Register at SDN. It's a great resource for students interested in the healthcare profession. GL.