If I were you, I would still try a range of schools with some of the more stats sensitive schools being “targets” but still tough. Emory is not particularly stats sensitive. The 1450 was the point of diminished returns without any significant academic improvements (coursework, academic competitions, intellectual pursuits). I don’t know if it would help at Rice either. It will only help marginally. Again, non-stats sensitive schools (those not super gungho on admitting 1500+ students) will likely not be particularly impressed, but you may still be admitted. Try applying to Rice or whatever top choice and don’t bother with Emory until RD. Both are still reaches. They will not be targets with that EC profile even if you got a 1600 or 36. These schools like to see deep ECs or academic engagement and will just pass on those with high scores if they can find those with good scores who have much more robust and deep EC profiles (Emory takes a lot of QB scholars for example which emphasizes strong and unique EC profiles over scores). Again, you have a shot, but the EC profile is too similar to other Emory applicants and many of those with similar profiles who are admitted had a little “extra” in the profile (like winning a big competition or something) especially if the volume of the past 2 years is repeated. They may quickly get bored reading these profiles barring you having an amazing essay and supplement. If not, that 1540 will not change any minds if they reach the application at the point of boredom. Plus they may wonder why you retook a 1450 instead of trying to do well on a subject test or something.