<p>One of my nieces with slightly stronger stats (34 ACT, 3.98 UW, rank #2/450, 13 APs with all 4s and 5s, lots of awards and work experience) got just about a full ride at UGA (Zell Miller plus $3k). Both parents (divorced) were unemployed when she graduated so she was after merit $$ since they couldn’t help her with anything.</p>
<p>I would think this young man would get into the honors program at a flagship and have the life experiences to be able to balance his interests in music/band and academics. I’d throw an app at Alabama and go take a drive down there to check out the place.</p>
<p>A second cousin had similar stats to the OP (he’s from KY) and got into Michigan and UVA, but got big merit awards from South Carolina and UMiami. He is now a happy premed at Miami and doing very well. Big band, big city, merit. Worth a look-see.</p>