I would agree that BU and Colgate would go in the reaches category. Except for BU, I don’t think any of the schools in your Targets or Safeties category are need blind. So although they might be appropriately bucketed if you were a full pay student, the admissions office will be cognizant of how much financial aid you will need to attend and that may decrease your chances. Thus, a school like Syracuse which would seem almost like an auto-admit for a student of your caliber might be a bit iffier because of the financial aid component.
I agree that adding more SUNY schools would be a good idea, as I believe there are additional aid programs for New Yorkers from low income families.
Some other schools that meet 100% of financial need (as the school defines it) that you may want to consider based on your interests include:
- Connecticut College (target)
- Union (NY) (target)
- Franklin & Marshall (PA ) (target)
- Vassar (NY) (borderline reach)
- Smith (MA) (target)
- Mount Holyoke (MA) (target)
- Wellesley (MA) (borderline reach)
The last three on that list are women’s colleges.
Some other schools where I think you are likely to be offered admission that meet at least 90% of financial need (as the college defines it) are:
- College of Wooster (OH)
- Stonehill (MA)
- Wheaton (MA)
- Lycoming (PA )
I’d check out the schools and run their Net Price Calculators to see if they are likely to be affordable.
All of the schools I’ve mentioned are smaller than most of the ones on your original list, but you’re extremely likely to have lots of research and other opportunities at them, particularly since undergrads are the focus at them.