<p>I think you’re a shoo-in for all of those schools except for Pomona, Claremont, Rice, and Northwestern. You’re very strong in all of your objective areas. And I guess in your subjective areas too. Just be sure to know which you wanna show off more in your apps. As for your question about getting a recommendation from your Biology teacher, I’d say yes, because a perspective from he/she should help tremendously if you apply somewhere where Biology is an impacted major or competitive. And yes, your essays should be about you, especially when you’re writing your personal statements to the UCs. Otherwise, you could mix it up a bit with the private schools. Just be sure to show off your voice! Good luck!</p>