<p>Courses: AP/IB/honors -- most rigorous
ECs: show leadership and a focus/passion; continue them throughout high school
Volunteering: show leadership and (ideally) initiative
Jobs: summer jobs; you might do tutoring during the year</p>
<p>Study for the SAT months in advance. Get lots of prep books.</p>
<p>GPA: a B here and there won't kill you. However, try to maintain at least a 3.8 semester GPA unweighted. Try to maintain a good rank (top 5%), too.</p>
<p>Have good relations with your teachers, 'cause you might want recommendations eventually.</p>
<p>Strive to get good honors/awards -- best student in subject X, etc.</p>
<p>Don't forget SAT II subject tests your junior year; I recommend 3, even if the school you're applying to only requires 2.</p>
<p>I'll emphasize the passion/focus point: it's very, very important. Try to arrange your ECs, awards/honors, and your courses around your passion. Really get involved in those activities and show leadership. Your essays will, eventually, focus on these.</p>
<p>If you keep all that up, you'll have a fairly good shot at the top schools, I think. =)</p>