Confused. Is OP a transfer student ? Thought we are talking about a first year.
My comments are related to first year. Hope OP finds a path for where they want to go. They might look at the Frederick Douglas Scholarship at AU although from what I read above not a candidate. But it’s a full ride.
Op asked if should go test optional. If they give an option to change then yes.
The 25% percentile is 30 points above the OPs score.
And applying ED simply bcuz a friend did, knowing nothing about the campus - not a good reason.
In some ways getting turned down will be your best friend assuming your family has financial strain. At 17 you don’t realize it. But you will later.
Hoping you have a full and complete list. Good luck.