Help me figure out if these books work for ap lit

yes i am looking for financial aid. i did put a post earlier detailing the costs: they can afford about $8K per year, including living costs etc. that’s why my aim’s a bit unrealistic, but i’m looking at safety schools here too.
since i last responded, i’ve found some publications which might accept my fiction writing and the editor of a leading national newspaper said that they’re open to publishing an article of mine - if it’s current and good enough - after seeing my fiction work. what other ECs would you recommend? i have a little less than a year to strengthen my portfolio.
thank you.