MODERATOR’S NOTE:
OK, let’s move on from questioning the OP’s motivations and confusing inferred/implied; it’s not helping. Several posts deleted.
I will say, though, that it is probably not a great idea for a sophomore (or anyone) to focus on one particular school, especially when it is very selective. The better strategy is to focus on a range off schools at the tier that the family can afford.
I’ll add one thing that is Emory specific, but also relates to other schools on some level.
AP exams and AP scores are important. We’ve probably mentioned course rigor, but if you attend the Emory info session with the tour, they will tell you that they care about AP exams and scores and take them seriously. If you are able to take a couple of exams your sophomore year, that’s great. Junior year should be the tough one. In any case, focus on those exams and makes 4s and 5s and that will demonstrate to the Admissions Committee that you can do college level work at a tough school.
As I went through this process with my kid, Emory was the only school that focused on the AP courses and exam scores to that extent. For what it’s worth, Emory doesn’t value demonstrate interest in as much as you check boxes for visiting the school, doing the tour, and attending the info session there or in your hometown. However, the tour and info session are of value to you because Emory gets to the point and goes beyond generic.
@ab2002 , I think it’s great that you are interested in Emory and that Emory is on your early list. You only have a limited amount of schools that you can actually visit in your junior year, and if you are going to consider an Early Decision application, you really should visit those possible schools in your junior year. ED at Emory definitely provides a kick to your application. It is unfortunate that ED limits your process, but we play by the rules that are out there. Good luck in your process.
@ljberkow Thank you! That helps. 
@ab2002 , I see you are taking AP Micro next year. Are you taking AP Macro this year? If so, those two together give you an opportunity to score well on two AP exams (and bring those credits to Emory) with 4s. Again, there is no magic formula for Emory and that includes any of the EC advice on CC. My last advice is to spend summers productively. Don’t sit around. Part-time jobs, travel, camp counselor, or volunteering is great.