My son went to his safety to study engineering. Top student, Ivy type scores for SAT and Subject Tests - SAT 2 Math score of 780, etc. A dozen AP classes with high scores. Outstanding club, sports, art participation with leadership and state-level recognition. Didn’t get into his top choices. He needed a lot of financial aid, but not Pell Grant level. No hooks almost always means no chance for middle class students at the Ivy+ level, regardless of gender.
Safeties aren’t what they were years ago. He’s being challenged. Engineering in any school is a challenge. It has been a good fit. He’s happy. It turned out fine.
Sure, the system is flawed. Many deserving kids don’t get in. Many less deserving kids do. Keep in mind that you may really love your safety. As others have mentioned, with so many talented applicants attending their safety colleges, you might be pleasantly surprised at the level of student you encounter at your college.