<p>Tommy, one thing I suggest you do is read this entry on the Parents forum here at CC which Ben wrote in Oct. 2005 about APs and high school classes. The thread was called, sarcastically, "Whoever has the most APs wins", and Ben's comments have been quoted often. I hope you will find his remarks reassuring.</p>
<p>That said, there is no "formula" for getting in to MIT. You have several years ahead of you: the best thing you can do now is follow your passions: there are online competitions you can get involved in, and you could even consider starting an extracurricular activity at your school, if it isn't "offered" and you want to pursue it! (I would recommend looking into Botball[/url</a>] and [url=<a href="http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/%5DFIRST">www.usfirst.org/robotics/]FIRST</a> Robotics competitions, and AMC</a> math and ACSL</a> programming and quiz</a> bowl competitions, if you can find faculty sponsors!) Do well in your classes and make good use of your time. And look for other schools you're interested in also: thousands of excellent students apply to MIT each year, and it is never a safe thing to assume you will be accepted. It's good to strive and apply and hope, but it's realistic to develop some alternative choices where you'd also be happy to attend.</p>
<p>You've got time, make good use of it, have fun, and don't obsess about college applications for another few years! :)</p>