I need advice, HS junior, advice [aiming for MIT, CS , MA resident, 4.5 GPA, 3.8 unweighted GPA]

It is essential that you find a sure thing for admission, that you like, that is affordable. I will suggest UMass-Amherst which has excellent programs in your intended majors, and will likely be affordable for your family. I’m not sure it’s a sure thing…but apply in the early round to maximize your chances.

Please read this thread I am going to link. The student in this thread was a NMF, top HS student, excellent course rigor, excellent LOR and essays, excellent ECs. No one expected he would be rejected everywhere he applied his senior year of high school, but that is what happened. He did land well on his feet…after a well crafted gap year. But his senior year in high school was not a happy time. You don’t want to be in the same position. It’s an old thread…but admissions have become more competitive.