Looking to optimize which of my choices to apply to / general advice [3.47? GPA, 1530 SAT; CS, math, Chinese language, music]

These are the most important. Find two assured. They may be public LACs like UNC Asheville, St Mary’s MD, College of Charleston, Christopher Newport and more. In the Midwest, Truman State or privates like K I mentioned, Depauw, Wooster etc.

You only have large out of country schools but depending on your state - the flagship. There’s great publics that are safe for you - the Iowa and Kansas Schools, Mizzou, a few in Ohio, Indiana etc.

After that ( two assured and affordable) you can shoot for the moon. But with your list has the potential for a lot of rejection so you have to be prepared for that.

But you can only go to one - I prefer two safeties in case - so if you are rejected, it doesn’t matter. You still will have a great home. But focus on finding these - they are the most important on your list, far more important than the high reaches.

Ps - u seem to like prestige. Check out RPI and Rose Hulman.

But I urge you to find the right environment for yourself and not just a big name.

You will be somewhere for four years, day after day. Once on campus the big name does nothing to bring happiness.

Good luck.