I agree Georgia Tech is a fantastic option, assuming it is affordable. So you can just see what happens now.
That said, with those qualifications, you could look at some non-reachy privates that might well offer merit. Those would not necessarily be “better” than Georgia Tech, but they would be different. In fact, you could look at Liberal Arts and Sciences colleges, aka LACs, which would be VERY different.
Or not! Again, Georgia Tech, assuming affordability, is a great option. So if you would not prefer those sorts of colleges even with merit, that is fine.