After reading and considering all the advice here, this is where I’m at:
I’m going to do what’s in front of me. I will continue to work my hardest in high school (I’m now at a 96 average this quarter) and will enroll in AP courses next year, as well as more honors. I will also continue to prep for the SAT, because the content covered is important to know, and depending on the score I receive, it could be good to list. I’m also going to continue my current extracurriculars with a heavy emphasis on leadership and writing. I’ll also try to get recognition outside of my school in the form of awards.
And then, I’ll apply to college. Maybe Cornell will be on the list, depending on my position at that time. If I don’t get in (which is almost certainly going to be the case), I’ll try to get into my other top choices, some more selective than others, and will choose at that point.
Then, I’ll try my absolute hardest in whatever school I’m in. After a year, I’ll consider my options. If I like the school, I might not transfer. Nonetheless, I want to try my hardest in pursuit of getting the best education possible.