@DaedricSaiyan Thanks for the reply. I have already started writing my essay in fact, even as a rising sophomore. I have visited campus, and am considering getting an interview with a friend’s dad, who to the best of my knowledge was a valedictorian. You seemed to convey how important grades are for getting in, which I am scared will not be my strong point. I am getting involved with EC’s as well, mostly related to STEM. This summer, I will be spending two weeks working as a teacher’s assistant at an engineering summer camp, as well as a coding summer camp. I am running for an officer position at the robotics/coding club at our school next year, and planning to run for an officer position in my TSA chapter. In my school, this is especially hard, as almost everyone wants a shot at a top college, and is competing for EC spots. I am currently tutoring one student, and will begin tutoring another one shortly (both in math). I really want to bring my grades up - to do so I am currently learning Java, Physics, and precalc. I am aiming for a 97 GPA next year, which with the right work ethic and organization, is definitely doable.
Any more advice?