Thanks for the really lengthy message. As you said, I do indeed have much “homework” to do regarding the college application process and I really do need to diversify the schools at which I’ll be applying to. I’d probably add 2 or likely schools but I wanted to ask for your recommendations on some “match” colleges. I’m not really sure where I want to apply because I’d like to go to a competitive university but am blinded by the prestige of top institutions. A school similar to the university of michigan or university of virginia would be an ideal school but i’m not sure whether I’d be able to live in those areas. Do you know of any other schools that fit my preferences that I should apply to? As for the financial situation, I will have to sort that out with my parents and really go over how I plan on paying for college, though my parents have said that they are willing to take a loan and pay for my education at a prestigious university. Also, I guess 11 reaches was reckless but do you think that Stony Brook would be a target and UVA a reach. I’m above the 75th percentile for SAT scores at Stony and am near that percentile at UVA. So, would UVA technically be a target/match. I’m still really confused on what schools I plan on applying to. Thanks for all your advice and the thought you put into that message, I appreciate it.