If there was a secret formula to get into Ivy and equivalent schools someone would be bottling and selling it.
IMO you should focus on being the best “you” possible.
–Work hard academically- do as well as you can in the most challenging curriculum you can manage.
–When the time comes study for standardized tests.
–Get involved in activities you care about and work towards making meaningful contributions to those activities.
–Be a kind and considerate person – enjoy time with family and friends.