What can I do to help my chances?

Applying to College
1

Hi! My name is Wesley, and I’m currently a sophomore in California. This is my first time posting on something like this, and I was wondering what I can do to help increase my chances of getting into good schools/if I’m doing the right things now.

 Currently: I'm an Eagle Scout, my dad is in the military (I'll go to 10 schools, could I write about that in my essay?), Varsity Cross Country, will be captain next year, 1 91%, everything else has been above a 95% in all my classes. I'm taking one AP this year and planning on taking 4 next year (Calc, Physics, English Language, and US History) and 4-5 my senior year(Probably Bio, Chem, Stats, Gov, Lit) This summer I plan on lifeguarding and volunteer refereeing for disabled kids, I do science Olympiad, and was a JV Mathletes regional champ for my area as a freshman, but I can't do mathletes again this year. I'm also helping a friend start a club that will help tutor immigrants to California. I'm also a good test-taker, I got a 1500 on my PSAT this year, and am taking a class over the summer to do even better. 
 What else can/should I do to help my chances at getting into really high-tiered schools?
2

Study up for those standardized tests! Many top tier schools look for close if not perfect scores. Additionally, consider taking an SAT2 subject test depending on the schools that you are looking at. Best of luck, and keep the grades high!

3

Oh, I also plan on doing Peer Counseling next year as well. Due to a new schedule my school is trying out, I’ll be able to take the AP exams in Calc BC and Physics E&M as well.

4

OK, thanks. Is there a better approach than “brute force” (practice problems)? I’ve been doing lots and lots of practice at Khan Academy

5

If you can try to show consistency, if you did mathletes last year, try to do it this year unless you really hate it or it is impossible with your schedule. Make sure you take next year’s PSAT since that will qualify you for national merit.