I need advice, HS Sophomore, need to get on the right track when I can [aiming for military career, MA resident, 3.8 GPA]

Your safety is umass amherst, a very good school. I would recommend prepping like crazy for the psat, in the hopes of making national merit, which would bring a full ride to Alabama and free tuition in some other decent schools.

If you really want the military academies, you need to work on making the connections to get the needed congressional rec, but also consider the Coast Guard Academy, which does not require this.