What I would recommend would be the same thing regardless of whether you were aiming for Emory, or Harvard, or San Jose State.
Be yourself. Be genuine. Take the classes that are right for you. Participate in the ECs that are right for you. Treat people well, or at least fairly. Whatever you do, do it well. Do well in your classes. Keep way ahead in your homework. Be kind and responsible.
If you get into a leadership position, ask questions, listen to the responses, and try to make the activity better for everyone who participates.
Be the best version of ‘you’ that you can be.
Also read the ‘applying sideways’ blog on the MIT admissions web site, and be aware that the same approach applies to other highly ranked universities.
Keep an open mind when it is time to apply to universities. Make sure that you apply to safeties. Find out what your budget is and plan on sticking to it. Look for schools that are a good fit for you, and keep in mind that there are hundreds of very good colleges and universities in the USA.
I know that none of this is specific to Emory, but it is the right approach to help you get accepted to and do well at a university that is a good fit for you.