semi-tryhard white guy applying to some very good schools, some decent ones (admission/aid chances?)

@MWolf Thank you, all of this information was very helpful. To clarify for you and anyone else, I meant Boston University. My apologies for the confusion. My intended majors are around the sphere of political science and English, but I’m largely undecided. When I’m looking for colleges, I generally want an academic environment that is competitive enough to be stimulating, but it doesn’t NEED to be incredibly prestigious. I’m looking for something that doesn’t have a southern feel, and is relatively large (more like anything above ~5,000). Urban is preferable, but not imperative. Again, thanks for all the help!