Is Vanderbilt worth a shot?

Basically, are unis of Vanderbilt or equal stature worth a shot for me? I need major financial aid (can pay ~4k), but have a US citizenship so I won’t count as an international student I guess.

Grades:
OL: 3A* 4A 2B
Transcripts near-perfect in ALs and average in OLs (like my grades)
In American ways, according to some online calculators something and common sense, UW GPA is probably 3.8 something.

SAT:
SAT I: 700R, 800M, 730W - 2230
ACT: N/A
SAT II: N/A (expecing 780 minimum in Math2 Chem Phy based on what my seniors said)

ECs:
~100 hours of social work.
~70 hours of work experience in an IT firm.
Have been free lancing for 3 years, if that’s something. (Only paid work)
Participated and won national level (university level) science olympiads.
Won national and international university level writing competitions. (International weren’t THAT high key)
Have made a magazine with friends. Published and well-sold.
Might develop a mobile app.

I hate debating and everything despite being a decent-ish public speaker. Should I engage in them? My ECs aren’t that special I think while my grades are alright. I also need alot of financial aid?

What I would like to know is that whether such universities are a realistic aim or is any university with my financial situation a realistic aim in the USA for me?

O-levels are usually worth 1/2 of a British-patterned transcript, A-levels the other 1/2.

Vanderbilt is realistic but what is your backup plan?

It’s a realistic reach, just have some safeties lined up!
Chance me back please :slight_smile:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1782833-chance-a-rising-senior-for-uchicago-georgetown-ivies-etc-will-chance-back.html#latest

I haven’t really looked up safeties etc yet, just starting my college search.

@ptkid16, I am not that knowledgeable in this college admissions regard so I can’t really help. Sorry for that. Loads of guys have responded so I hope that is enough for you. :slight_smile: