There is a huge amount of uncertainty here. There is no perfect strategy—I think you have to just rank schools as best you can by your own preferences and then go to the top one you get into by some semi-arbitrary date.
That said once at college there are a variety of things that make a huge difference. Read important textbooks more than is strictly required. Experiment with learning strategies—study in groups or alone, taking notes, making flashcards. Read journals every once in a while to check your progress. Go to department seminars once you you feel comfortable. Play with math (or computers, or chemical syntheses) for fun. Go to at least one free dance lesson. That sort of thing.
There is a huge amount of uncertainty here. There is no perfect strategy—I think you have to just rank schools as best you can by your own preferences and then go to the top one you get into by some semi-arbitrary date.
That said once at college there are a variety of things that make a huge difference. Read important textbooks more than is strictly required. Experiment with learning strategies—study in groups or alone, taking notes, making flashcards. Read journals every once in a while to check your progress. Go to department seminars once you you feel comfortable. Play with math (or computers, or chemical syntheses) for fun. Go to at least one free dance lesson. That sort of thing.
Upvoted! For the entirety, but not least for the “free dance lesson” suggestion.