Curious as to why only publics - are you full pay? Top privates are likely to be more generous financially. They may also care more that your country is underrepresented. Are you applying to UK unis as well?
@DadTwoGirls , in a British based system, 90% is a significantly better grade than it looks to an American. And agree the schools will be aware of each country’s grading system. Also, to OP’s point about grade deflation at his/her school, if this school does indeed send people regularly to tippy-tops then it clearly has a counseling office that is successfully able to explain the grading system to US colleges.