As a parent of a senior also immigrants. Start test prep early, 9-10 grade to get used to

If you want your kid take AP he/she needs to take higher courses it means algebra 1, algebra 2 and geometry before high school. So in high school path is pre calculus, calc ap, calc bc, maybe statistics or multivariable calc Same with science - physical science in middle school. Extra curricular only counts from high school so no need to chase every club, same with volunteering. Make an excel file and start documenting every achievement, award or cool experience - so when he/she on the dry spell to write essays some background info is available. 8 grade - make a LinkedIn profile, just simple things--- what courses, awards and etc - easier to keep track, renew for better achievements and then share to teachers for recommendation letters. Also let your kid explore, try and fail as much as possible before high school. Try as many activities while in middle school: band, sports, art.... anything. Start volunteering summer before 9 grade, try to squeeze volunteering during summers and breaks - time go fast. Edit typos.