Writing a critique isn't difficult if you know how, but you don't want to get into a class were you're expected to write one and expected to know how, but you didn't ever learn how. Happened to a friend of mine, I can give a brief crash course in it if your school doesn't offer it.
High school wasn't actually much more difficult than middle school for me, despite teachers in middle school insisting that it would be. So don't worry to much about high school being too hard, you have a 3.5+ GPA you'll probably do just fine in high school.
As for applying to colleges, you can do it. Ask for help if your lost or need confirmation, start early and apply for scholarships also. Spend time on your essays they matter. This is where it is ideal to have the composition class before college. (But don't worry to much if that isn't an option). Apply to multiple schools you might not get into your top choice. And please remember it's okay to go to a community college and transfer to a University.

It's often cheaper and gives you an easier transition from high school.
Other than that I would say, if possible keep a consistent sleep schedule. It's easy to sleep in Tu Th because you dont have class until 11:35 and also have an 8am MWF. Trust me, those 8am classes are easier if you are always up that early.
Make informed decisions about what professors you have. In high school teachers are almost never bigoted jerks who will fail you because you are pretty, but unfortunately college professors can be occasionally. It's always better to know this before signing up for a class. Also, don't be afraid to drop a class. Its obviously not ideal but it's a lot better than failing a class or compromising your mental health.
And just in general, both for high school and college. If there is something you don't know how to do and you want to know (or it would be beneficial to know) try to find someone who can teach you. There are a lot of resources available. You don't need AVID for tha

**that
Also, I want to take a moment to thank @guest_ . It's been really nice to have a respectful conversation from different perspectives with someone who not only respects my perspective but easily acknowledges when they do agree with one if my points.

@thekaylapup- likewise. You speak eloquently and respectfully and I appreciate that. I enjoy that we can have different perspectives but acknowledge they aren’t the only perspective nor the only valid ones. We happen to agree on most things discussed here which always tends to make civility easier, but Where we disagree we do so amicably.

@guest_ Thank you, and precisely. I hope that in all of our discussion I hope that hydrofalcon feels better equipped and informed to make their educational decisions adequately.

If I had the option and could still hoop throughout high school, I'd go ham on that. DO IT.

@parisqeen nah, IB is the equivalent to AP in the US.
AVID (If it's what I remember it as) is much more specialized. The only place they offered it around where I went was an Academy... no monies for the academy... and instead of you taking electives they'd tackle on stuff like computer programming, advanced coding and basic robotics. My "computer" classes in HS were 1) a typing class (I was playing FFXI, an MMO, so that got wrecked), a pre-CAT course (this was actually cool, but not because of CAT, we got to chop shit up and shit and we all finished it in 3 weeks, max, so the rest of the time we dicked around.... 3) CAT... I finished the curriculum in a week and my teacher didn't know what the fuck to do so she bought me a knock off version of Roller Coaster Tycoon and had me build roller coasters so I didn't sleep (I had French right after that year, at which point I fell back to sleep).

Basically I wasted a shit ton of time being asleep or playing video games.

AVID sounds fancy af

Depends where.... but, yeah. I at least got to take pre-AP classes in middle school... something \<_</
With AVID there's no realistic way I would be able to play basketball.

Like... even if I had the opportunity. So, in a way, I guess I'm happy about that? I dunno.

Don't get me analytical about it... or I'll use those first four letters.

Hahaha nah that's good, you really need that balance at school between work and play, if I couldn't play hockey or do rowing I would've felt 10x more depressed

Yep... basketball was, without question, my favorite part of HS... I'd be on hardcore drugs right now without it. No fucking question.

I'm glad you got to play it then lol

It's not even playing it, I enjoy college ball and the strategic matchups vs position matchups vs a coach's philosophy. You don't see a full court press or a 1-3-1 trap in the NBA (and for good reason... running that for 82 regular season games will exhaust anyone)... but in college? Mmmm... the chess board opens :)

Save me from myself!

Hey guys, thanks for all the help and advice on my situation, its really helped me out in decision making and overall the path I’m trying to take :) I’m happy to let you guys know that I’ve applied for AVID and have the interviews next monday. Wish me luck! :)

Good luck! That's so exciting, sounds like you've made a good choice.

get it tiger!