Ok, here are some thoughts:
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I agree that cost may be a problem. None of your listed schools will be <50K/yr unless you get merit aid. ETA: I just saw your revision above, that you would be willing to increase for right school, maybe.
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Your class rank is not “relatively average", you are in the top 15%. Congrats on a strong academic record.
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You need to find one “sure thing” school. A school that will for sure accept you, will for sure be affordable, and that you would be happy to attend.
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I agree that Minneapolis might have the vibe you are looking for: Very LGBTQ+ friendly and a great punk music scene. And an airline hub so multiple affordable direct flights daily.
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If, for affordability reasons, you end up considering in-state publics, keep in mind National Student Exchange. NSE is a consortium of ~200 schools across North America. You can do up to a year of exchange at any participating schools paying no more in tuition than what you are paying at your home college. The NY schools include Buffalo State, Paul Smith, CUNY Queens, Stony Brook, Plattsburgh and Potsdam. The schools in Minneapolis that belong include UMN and Augsburg. Here is the link to NSE: National Student Exchange - Campuses / Location
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Speaking of Augsburg, it’s a small private university that does have a historic religious affiliation, but I don’t think you would ever realize that attending there. It has a long history as a super LGBTQ+ welcoming college. It also has an agreement by which you can take classes at Macalester (home of Husker Du) and other LACs in the Twin Cities such as Hamline. Hamline has a very strong creative writing program (I know that’s not your thing, but the English dept in general is strong.) Anyway, your COA at Augsburg and Hamline would be probably around $30K if Twin Cities schools other than UMN are something you are open to.
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Anyway, best wishes to you!