You’re 14-15 years old and want to grab after the brass ring (which you feel is a Stanford admit). Your reading of the attractiveness of a “spike” is simplistic. Actual selective school admits don’t have your mindset. They are simply focused on being excellent and confident about that journey – and not so concerned about how it looks to anyone.
You want to BE a viable top college admit – not be a poser. Here’s where you need to change: learn to become confident in your choices – unafraid to make mistakes yet taking risks. If you have the academic potential and ability to balance it all, it’ll show up and it won’t be forced.
Students who get into top schools are simply on a trajectory where top schools just gravitate towards them – they’re not out there chasing A or B.
Good luck.