Reading between the lines, I’m wondering if the original poster was intending to transfer from CC to one of the more competitive UC schools (which would, given sophomore grades and their test-blind nature, almost certainly be out of reach as a freshman applicant).
I am not an expert on that pipeline but it has historically been easier to get into Cal or UCLA etc. as a transfer student with a solid track record of achievement at CC. Agree that the other schools would be trickier.
I liked @tsbna44’s suggestion of Syracuse, given OP’s interests. I might add in a few flagship schools from other states, e.g. Ohio, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, where your upward grades trend and high ACT scores might help you out.