Current Sophomore With No APs/88 Cumulative/No ECs Help!!!!

So basically, as you can tell from the title, I’m starting to realize what situation I am in right now. I have a 88 cumulative average right now, no extra curriculars, and I haven’t taken any AP classes or exams. My school has a limit on how many AP classes you are allowed to take and for more than 3 AP’s you have to have a 93+ cumulative. I’m planning to take two junior year (APUSH and AP Comp Sci) but don’t know if I’m going to get in or be on the waiting list. All I have is a SAT II Bio that I took and got a 800 on and my PSAT that I got a 1360 out of 1520 on, but that’s it. My guidance counselor and I don’t have a good enough relationship worth mentioning. What should I do? I don’t know what my options for college are right now. What should I do about APs, SATs, and SAT IIs? How many of these exams should I do? Extra curriculars? Guidance Counselor Rec? Help!!!

PS: I’m planning on self studying for the APWH exam, APUSH exam, APCS exam, and APEnvoirment so that I can make up for not taking as many AP classes. Also plan on taking the SAT II Chem this year and SAT II Math next year

Class Rigor:
If you are aiming for rigorous schools, focus on getting your average up to a 90 by the end of junior year, if possible. If you get into your AP courses, that will help. If not, or you still want to take more challenging classes, look into dual enrollment programs in your area. Many community colleges and even some four-year schools will allow high school students to take certain courses. Succeeding in those will show that you can handle college level work, even if your AP options are limited.

Standardized Tests:
Your current scores are great. Depending on the type of schools you want to apply to, getting a 1360 on the actual SAT should serve you well. More competitive schools may have you wanting to go into the 1400+ range, but with preparation, you should be able to achieve that. Some schools look at SAT II’s and some don’t, but getting high scores on those can only be a good thing. AP scores, however, are not that important in college admissions, so I would advise you only take one if you have taken the class for it at school.

Extracurriculars:
What are you passionate about? It’s best to show activities that reflect your interests, rather than doing what you think colleges want to see. If you have or plan to get a job, that can be included. You should be able to find volunteering gigs at community centers, nursing homes, food banks, shelters, religious organizations, etc. Research local internship opportunities. Tutor younger kids. There are a ton of options out there, the sooner you start the better off you will be.

Guidance Counselor:
Reach out to your guidance counselor; having a good relationship with them can only help you. They should be able to guide you in the direction of any dual enrollment programs your school has, as well as help you understand your academic position compared to other students at your school.

Do keep in mind that your average and test scores are great. With some solid activities and decent recommendations, you should be able to make into respectable schools. Please don’t fixate on the Ivies and other “elite” schools, going on College Confidential (especially the Chance Me section) can make it seem like is the norm to have 4.0’s and 1600’s and multiple national awards, but in reality, they are simply the vocal minority. Don’t think that emulating them is the path to success.

Relax, self studying all those courses aren’t going to be beneficial.