I’d like to second @tsbna44’s recommendation for University of Rochester for several reasons:
- It’s a great school which will meet your academic needs very well.
- It’s an academic bargain, much easier to get admitted than a school of this caliber should be.
- They believe passionately in test optional and your gpa is right in their sweet spot.
- Also important to them is the rigor of high school courses and it sounds like you have that.
- They are very good with financial aid and have the financial resources to meet the needs of their incoming students.
- It’s the size that you say you’re looking forward.
As far as I’m concerned, Rochester is one of the best kept secrets around and is truly the kind of school which could offer the solution to your challenge.
Demonstrated interest is not super important to them, but it is important. If you are interested, I’d suggest that you make the trip up there for a campus tour. They also recommend an interview, so either schedule one while you’re visiting if it’s available or schedule one with an alum in your area. Finally, get the best faculty recommendations you can. They matter here.