u/Potential-Address647

Hi everyone,
(First of all, please excuse my English as I am still learning!)
I am a 16-year-old high school student in Japan attending an academically rigorous school. I am highly motivated to challenge myself and dream of applying to MIT in the future.
Since the application process in Japan is very different from the US, I would love to get some general advice on how international students can best prepare. Specifically, I have a couple of questions:

1. Extracurriculars & Leadership: How is involvement in student council or similar leadership roles generally viewed in the MIT admissions process? Are there other types of activities or achievements (like Olympiads or specific projects) that are highly valued?
2. Challenges: For students applying from overseas, what are typically the biggest challenges or hurdles during the preparation process that I should start focusing on early?
   I know that gaining admission to MIT is incredibly difficult, especially for international applicants, but I want to do everything I can to prepare. Any insights, experiences, or advice you could share would be greatly appreciated!
   Thank you so much!

I'm a high school student from Japan .I don't know what should I do.