I had heard about their need aware status, which further deterred me from adding it to the final college list.
I would not be deterred by this. You should be one of their top applicants. They make it clear that while they are need aware, they are also prepared to meet full financial need for their top applicants. That’s you!
If you don’t apply, you definitely will not be admitted and will not receive any aid. That would be a shame since it’s a school which offers the programs that you want. On the other hand, if you apply, you have a shot. Just to put things into perspective, only 23% of last year’s freshman class last year submitted SAT scores. Of that group, 1530 was the 75th %ile and you were way above that. Another 14% submitted ACT scores, so 63% were admitted without submitting any test scores! I assume that they didn’t submit them because theirs weren’t good enough to enhance their applications. The college will assume that as well. In that context, your scores are way more impressive than they appear when compared only to the test score submitters. Compared to ALL applicants, they are beyond stellar. Some colleges which are test optional, tell us that they will consider test scores if submitted, but they are not important. Colgate tells us straight out that test scores ARE important to them.
Further evidence of your exceptionality. Only 27% of last year’s freshman class had a gpa of 4.0. So, you are already roughly at the 75th%ile in that category. In other words, it’s not common for Colgate to be bringing in students with straight A’s like you. Furthermore, you expect to be your school’s valedictorian or salutatorian. Colleges value that. A lot.
My take on it is that Colgate will want you to come and will make an attractive financial offer. Assuming that they do, you can make it more attractive by telling them that you cannot afford to come unless they improve it. Chances are that they will.
Good luck. 