With Northwestern University & WashUStL as you top target schools, some other schools to consider:
UNC-Chapel Hill since you are a resident;
University of Pittsburgh;
Johns Hopkins University (JHU);
Rice University;
Emory University;
University of Rochester;
University of Washington;
If you would consider a small (LAC) school:
Swarthmore College, Pomona College, Franklin & Marshall College.
Williams College if willing to attend an outstanding school in a rural location.
Amherst College.
I understand your attraction to Northwestern & to WashUStL.