I am new to all of this and have no idea.

Answered

Don't worry; education offers many options!

First, I will honestly tell you that without APs or honors or dual enrollment, it would be very difficult to get into a prestigious Ivy League school despite a strong academic record. But I also want to say that Ivy Leagues are NOT the only way to have a successful career and life. I know that is very counterculture, but the reality is that everyone's path is different and what works for 1 student may harm another.

The first question to ask is what do you want to study? Note: do not ask yourself what would bring the most money. This is a common mistake and leads to many unhappy, unsatisfied young people. Notice where you are in your element. What makes you happy? I considered teaching for years- I had dozens of people gushing that I would make a WONDERFUL teacher. Then I discovered that my hobby- floral design and gardening- was what made me most happy. Now I am moving towards a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and will begin a business someday.

As far as choosing a college and finding your best fit, consider what college's program would help you be most successful in your career. I also have a strong academic record (and no AP; homeschooled, which makes AP difficult), but I am planning on attending a school with MUCH lower stats (GPA, test scores, etc.) than my own. I could go for a bigger university like Penn State, but Delaware Valley University has a hands-on horticulture program and I want experience, not books. Their gen ed classes (english, math...) will not challenge me, but that's ok; I'm going for the physical job training essentially.

How to find colleges? Create an account with BigFuture (college search engine by Collegeboard, the adminsters of the SAT and AP). Fill in your info, preferences, and stats. Then they give you a list of suggestions. Check out each college's website and academic programs (some of the suggested colleges have similar majors, but not the same. Eg, I searched "ornamental horticulture programs" and got things like plant science and botany; similar, but not the same.)

SAT: after you make an account with Collegeboard, then you can download the Bluebook app and take an official SAT practice test. This is the best way to evaluate if it is worth your time. As a junior, you still have plenty of time to study and take it. If your practice score is good (does not have to be amazing-remember, you did not study beforehand) then it is totally worth a shot! My 1st practice score was a 1190; I now have a 1320 after under 2 months of studying. A strong SAT score helps confirm your strong academics. NOTE: a perfect SAT score is not necessary for success, either. Just do your best- anything approx. above 1200ish is above average! Another option: my sister took a gap year and in that time took her SAT b/c she found out the school wanted a score. A lot of schools are test-optional now so a SAT IS NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED. If it doesn't work out for you, that's ok!

As far as ECA, it doesn't have to be anything stellar. Hobbies that you spend a lot of time on can count, so do clubs, sports, music. My advice for ECA is to find ways to do the things you enjoy. If your school does not have the kind of club you are interested in, try starting one! I am not sure how that works in other countries, but here there are new clubs started all the time and colleges love seeing that initiative and passion.

Keep up the good work and always do your best. I would be happy to help you with any more questions! (I have been on Collegevine for a while and noticed that when you reply or comment on someone's answer to a question, there is limited words. If you have more questions/ thoughts then what can fit, start a new discussion/question and put my tag somewhere in it :@Jael_S238

Hope this helps!