high school preparation??

<p>Hi, everyone!!!
I'm starting my grade 10 year (in Canada) and I have big hopes on pursuing a post-secondary education in the United States. Now, I know I should start preparing ASAP!!! (it might even be a little late) So, I would really appreciate some advice and thoughts on how I should start preparing and what I should improve on. =)</p>

<p>GENERAL INFO:
- starting Grade 10 (sophomore in the US, i think)
- Canadian student (western Canada)
- female
- very enthusiastic and passionate about what I love doing!</p>

<p>GOALS:
- I'm looking into medical schools.
- So far, I'm looking into Johns Hopkins, but later on, if I see potential, I will look into the Ivy League as well. </p>

<p>ACADEMICS:
- I'm enrolled in the full "pre-IB" program offered at my public high school. This course prepares grade 9 and 10 students for the upcoming IB Diploma Program in grades 11 and 12
- I'm in the top 5 out of the 120ish pre-IB students
- I've been the top academic student all three years at middle school (I don't think this really matters, though)
- Straight A's (no GPAs yet; my school only gives GPA's from grade 10)
- Very strong in science; over 95% always, and top student in the subject</p>

<p>EXTRACIRRICULAR WITHIN SCHOOL:
- member of the Student Council; I want to run for either treasurer or assistant for the upcoming year
- string orchestra & music student council; I'm planning on focusing more on the musics & really striving in it. Possibly, president of the music student council, and part in the production team for school productions
- Model UN; still kind of trying it out. but it's fairly interesting.
- looking into joining the Yearbook committee
- I love science, so I'm thinking of joining the science club.
- join Japanese club, because I've found quite alot of interest in the new language
- And lastly, I am planning on creating my own club later this year, or next year. This club will focus on the young, sick children at our local children's hospital and do charity work for them.</p>

<p>EXTRACIRRICULAR OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL:
- I play the violin, and I absolutely LOVE it! I may not be the best musician, but because of my strong passion, I often compete at local music festivals and perform both solo and in a chamber group.
- I've been training martial arts for several years now, and I also LOVE it. This, however, is more for the joy and interest of doing it, and not to compete. I may go into competing soon, though.
- Now that I'm of age, I'm planning of applying for the Regional Youth Parliament, which, when I'm 16, will lead to a seat in the Provincial Youth Parliament.
- pool lifeguard activities</p>

<p>VOLUNTEER WORK:
- took part in organizing various dinner parties and fundraising events for Church charity work
- Habitat for Humanity
- local hospital volunteering
- food bank</p>

<p>SOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- number of awards in music (piano and violin)
- local math olympiad champion
- chosen for various county-wide school math competitions (no awards, though)</p>

<p>GENERAL PLANS:
- I know I should take SAT's soon. but can I please get some advices on when I should? plus, it's in Canada, there's not much info. on SAT. =(
- should I take the PSAT in a few months or so, just practice? or is this a bad choice?
- and I've always wondered. are ACT's mandatory for admissions into American universities??
- get more leadership positions in extracurricular activities.
- more volunteering.
- really strive in either music or art (I'm still deciding, because I'm also a fair artist.)</p>

<p>Wow, ok. that was long.
but..
please comment on what you think about me and my any potential in going to an American university.
I would also really appreciate any advice on what I should improve on.
THANKS!</p>