First and foremost…you need to identify TWO colleges you really like, that you have a good chance of being accepted, and that are affordable. Then build your list UP from there. It’s easy to find reaches…but that shouldn’t be your first job. Find that sure thing you like that is affordable…first.
I’m going to link below a thread I would encourage you to read…all of it. This is an older thread, and college admissions have become even more competitive. This student was a top student, NMF, excellent GPA, excellent ECs, excellent LOR, and great essays. No one expected him to be denied acceptance everywhere he applied as a HS senior, but that’s what happened. He really didn’t have a sure thing on his application list.
This student did land well on his feet after a well crafted gap year after he graduated from high school. But his senior year was not a happy time. You don’t want to be in the same situation. Again…this kid was a superior student. All the way through high school.