<p>As a parent of a senior, the advice above is good–maybe even take a practice SAT in addition to improving your ACT score just to see which test best showcases your abilities. Also, if your school doesn’t offer honors or APs, the UCs will know that (or you can tell them in your application). Do your absolute best in your other classes, straight As speak for themselves. Straight As this current final semester of junior year would be great if you can pull them off, that is MUCH more important than self-studying an AP or two if that self-studying takes valuable time away from your classes and damages your class ranking.
It occurs to me, have you had “the talk” with your parents about finances for college? It does no good to be admitted somewhere if there is absolutely no money to pay for it. It may be that your best option is a community college for two years and then a transfer to a UC or perhaps instead go to a school like Cal Poly SLO which is a great school and a lot cheaper. Forgive my ignorance, but I seem to recall some private colleges that would really value (and give scholarships for) your very specialized knowledge, experience, and training in languages and the Jewish traditions, you might noodle around here or post on the specialized boards.
Good luck, you sound like a hard-working kid, give yourself a break, I am sure it will all work out.</p>