My data was from the Common Data Set for Emory 2010-2011 (there may be more recent data out there). This is a highly reliable source although finding the data for 2014-2015 would be better because my guess is Emory has become more, not less selective in the past 4 years. http://www.oirpe.emory.edu/institutional_research/Common%20Data%202010%202011.pdf
The ACT cut for the top 25% is listed as 33 for 2010=2011 by the way, so OP makes it in under the wire.
OP should of course do his or her own research, but it’s also important to recognize a reach. I didn’t realize Emory was full need, which helps. My point was that at most schools you have to be well within the top 25% if what you are counting on significant merit aid.
Don’t forget that Emory was a school that falsfied data reported through the common data set, and the data in the 2010-11 time period falls within the falsified period. They admitted to reporting data on admitted students not enrolled students. Great school, nonetheless.
As I read through your summary I was thinking that you have a fair number of ECs but no depth or pattern. They look somewhat random. Suggest you cut out a few of them and focus on what really interests you. Agree that leadership of ECs can be a bit of a popularity contest but so is life. I didn’t pick up that you were a URM but others apparently have. That should prove very helpful as you seem to have a rigorous curriculum and s solid ACT. In terms of money, there probably are not a lot of OOS publics that will be affordable. Indiana is generous but probably not enough. U.chicago is an obvious suggestion for Econ. Hopefully you have already taken your SAT subject tests and your ACT was with writing subscore. My D had a 3.8 and a 36, she did not get into most of her reach schools. Your GPA is a liability as the reach colleges will be expecting an unweighted GPA of 3.9 or above. As an URM your situation is different, your chances are better. My guess is that Econ at any of the Ivys would be strong. A future employer would be impressed that you attended an Ivy League school and not care about their Econ program. Try to limit yourself to 3 or 4 reaches and really build a strong case for why they should ad,it you. You should also consider schools like Grinnell, Amherst, Swarthmore, Williams. The top LACs with big endowments offer an incredible education at a very low cost. You are exactly the kind of student these schools are looking for
Ok, I don’t know why anyone on here said I was a URM, because that is 100% false. I am caucasion.
^ Oh, well that that might make things more difficult
@Lilliana330 Lol, that’s what I want to hear! 
@dylan197 Sorry, not trying to be pessimistic, just telling the truth. It’ll affect your chances of admission, but if admitted, your financial aid would be the same, regardless of your ethnicity.
By all means apply, and do so through Questbridge. You may not be an URM, but you’re still a low/modest income kid. The QB app will increase your odds.
@Lilliana330 Thanks for the suggestion!
Prepare for Questbridge: you’re exactly who they’re looking for.
There’s an application deadline that’s fairly early. Be ready for September.
If admitted to QB: Apply to half LACs half research universities during the match period, which is like super ED.
Don’t worry about merit at schools that meet 100%&need . do look into merit at public universities.
For economics Hamilton or Colgate would be hard to skip. Middlebury is a reach but look into it.
@MYOS1634 Can you link me to all of the deadlines for Questbridge? I don’t want to miss any important dates.
Bookmark this
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/questbridge-programs/
Search this website (you may want to avoid asking questions that only require basic use of a search engine though)
http://www.questbridge.org/
^ Most QB schools are ED for the match process. OP, if you’re not sure about committing to any of the schools, I’d suggest skipping the match and going through regular decision. You still gotta file your Questbridge app by the September deadline, though.
However, if you’re okay with attending any of the QB schools you list for the match, then do apply then, since the ED process increases your odds.
It’s like super-ED - you get to increase your odds a lot at 8 schools, instead of having to choose one and throw the dice.
You do need to rank them carefully, including about half research universities and half LACs.
^ Yes, you’ll be matched to the highest school on your list that accepts you.
What QB colleges do you like best? This way we can suggest colleges that are similar in vibe but not as selective.
@MYOS1634 I’ll be able to tell you more after this upcoming Friday, as I am visiting an information day and tour at UChicago. But without visiting any Colleges, my favorite is probably Stanford because of the weather and vibe of the campus.
So, how did it go?
In California, you have the Claremont Colleges on the QB list. Check them out.
@MYOS1634 It went great, I loved the campus and its architecture. Plus, the city is amazing! I spent the rest of the day in the city and had a great time! I think I would like a College that is located right outside of a big city so if I felt like going to the city I could, if I didn’t I’m not located in the middle of a city. Overall, it went great.