It’s not that I recommend WashU over Cornell. It’s just that Cornell is the only private university on your original list that even has a double-digit transfer acceptance rate; Princeton and Stanford are extraordinarily tough admits because they take so few transfers and get so many applications. (Not saying you shouldn’t try, but the odds are long.) So having another school that’s more in Cornell’s range of competitiveness would increase your odds of getting at least one acceptance besides your in-state publics.
Fundamentally, it won’t matter one bit whether Cornell or WashU would be better unless you manage to get into both. My intent wasn’t to weigh which is better, but just to add another generous-aid possibility to your list. Both will require top grades, excellent essays, and meaningful EC’s, all of which come together to paint a coherent picture of why they should want you on their campus.
Standardized test scores from high school generally aren’t considered for junior transfers.
Overall, I’m sure you understand that you’re trying to make a leap in competitiveness from where you were based on your high school record. You may well have the ability and drive to make this happen, but it’s an ambitious goal to build the kind of record, in three college semesters, that will put you in the running to transfer to a top-20 national university. I’m not trying to discourage you, just saying it’s good that you also have a viable in-state transfer path and that you’re planning accordingly in terms of finances.
Have you considered Texas Tech at all? They seem to have a pretty robust Natural Resources Management program, with concentrations in Conservation Science, Wildlife Biology, and Range Conservation. And they have some transfer merit scholarships that might be easier to get than the comparable ones at TAMU. And housing is more affordable in Lubbock than in Austin or College Station.
You didn’t mention the Phi Theta Kappa honor society among your college EC’s. Try to join this, as there are scholarships that you’ll only be considered for if you’re a member.
If you’re in the Dallas area, would commuting to UTD or SMU be an option?
Also, have you looked at the internship opportunities here? It’s a full semester, and housing is provided: Careers and Internships - The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee