There seems to be a common assumption that URM (or legacy) can convert a reach into a match or safety. More realistically, a reach will still be a reach, though perhaps slightly less reachy (e.g. high reach instead of unrealistic reach, or reach instead of high reach, that kind of thing) at colleges that consider it. Also, colleges that consider it tend to be opaque about how much it matters, for various reasons.
U.S. News profiled a student a few years ago with a 3.2 GPA, a 26 ACT and an interest in languages who was accepted into Middlebury. If you adjust your list a bit, you might be able to get into a very nice college.
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I agree you should pick a couple of the Ivys to apply to to make your Aunt and Uncle happy but also pick realistic schools.
Ask your Aunt/Uncle what their SAT scores were and then show them what you need now to get into those schools.
I’ll update y’all when decisions come out.
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Been following your story @Gohado good luck!!
OP, where are you in your class? If your GPA puts you in the top 5/10 in your class your situation improves markedly.
Not sure, but I’m definitely not the top of my class. Trying my best to get all A’s this year. FWIW, it’s a full-IB school, considered one of the best, if not, the best public school in Oregon. Academics are particularly rigorous, even before students actually delve into the IB diploma program. Graduating class is tiny and competitive, but very few students bother applying to significant colleges (not that there’s anything wrong with that; it’s their path). Most attend the likes of U of O, OSU, PSU, etc.
Not sure if I mentioned this on this thread yet, but I have been scoring quite high (1500+) on SAT practices, I just haven’t been able to sit in for a test due to COVID. Practice does wonders. Wish I could report a score in time for my applications, since I’m capable of a competitive figure. Literally, the next SAT date is March 13, and I hate it. I know colleges are adopting more flexible testing policies for this cycle, but still, March is so late to have scores.
I am looking into safeties and matches, a couple of which I have already sent in apps for. I will get into a college, hahahah. Some have raised concerns of family pulling the financial rug, or that I dread the idea of going to a prestigious university. First, aunt and uncle want me to graduate debt-free, no matter where I graduate. They will pay for my school, and I am grateful for that. Second, I actually really, really want to attend a top school, but I guess I’m of the view that I can just transfer from a lesser uni, or apply for grad school admissions. Not trying to sound defensive, I just want to clear things up. I am hopeful for the future, nonetheless.
If I were you, I would apply for those “safety” schools anyway, otherwise you risk not getting into a school at all. Also, if you’re low income, you can’t afford these schools. Michigan is not a safety school, because out of state tuition is triple the cost of in-state. You could apply to these schools just to make them happy, but you REALLY need to focus on getting a scholarship. The rejection letters should be the “see I told you so” moment.
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“I have already submitted Early Action applications for [UChicago] and UMichigan. I think, from now on, I will work on Princeton, let A&U know that I’m done with that app, then just apply to places I think are worth applying.”
I think that’s a good strategy, if you think the 28 is a concern, you can apply always test optional.
Update for people who care:
Just got admitted to University of Michigan. All is well.
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Congratulations and thanks for the update. Your post was one that stuck with me.
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Wow, that’s fabulous! Happy for you. We’re you ever able to sit for the SAT/ACT again, or did you go test optional? Please circle back when you hear from your other schools. Best of luck!!!
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Thank you for the update, and… congratulations!
Are you waiting for more decisions or are you soldon UMich? 
No matter what, it’s good to have a choice!
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My question, though, do you have a way to pay the out of state tuition at Michigan?
The OP’s aunt and uncle are paying for his college.
Thanks, Melvin! Didn’t get the chance to take SAT, no. Though, I was scoring 1480 and up on practice sessions, so I imagined I would attain a good score anyway. Considering this, I don’t feel bad for getting admitted test-optional.
Thank you! Seeing as I have a few other schools to hear from, I’ll wait until mid-April to submit my enrollment deposit. You never know–a miracle could happen and it would be a shame to know I could have gone to Vanderbilt (or wherever) but I enrolled prematurely.
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You can email Umich and ask their policy on housing deposits (ie., are they refundable before May1). If you’re comfortable with losing the housing deposit, it may be the safest way to insure you don’t end up in a forced triple or supplemental housing - before May1, you can always “switch” your decision.
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