@mom2collegekids - think VT and UMD are pretty close to safeties because of the 36 ACT but not guarantees given that it’s engineering. I have seen a couple self reports of 36 being denied for Eng at VT but don’t know what else could be going on. Generally VT takes ~30% OOS in the big admitting picture but last year the OOS engineering admits were closer to 45%. If that’s the beginning of a trend, it would further help the OP.
George Mason engineering would be a true safety academically with excellent research and internship opportunities in the DC metro area. Would be chance of merit aid for this student as well.