Any Tips/Suggestions?

<p>Hi all</p>

<p>This summer I planned to research colleges and scholarships, study for SAT/ACT retakes and volunteer. I really need help getting an idea of what colleges I may be able to get into and just tips for researching schools. I'm interested in political science, business, communications/public relations. I'm a first generation student and Hispanic. I don't think my EFC will be a lot and will probably be 0. My GPA is 3.7 UW and I have no clue what it is W. I got a 1620 on my first SAT try :/. That's why I plan to retake it after studying this time. My ACT was horrible. I have 3 ECs, one I'm president of, another treasurer, and the last I'm a member. I wouldn't have problems getting awesome LORs or writing good essays. I'd really prefer to go out of state, but knowing my stats/my family's income I realize that will probably not happen unless I get scholarships. </p>

<p>So what criteria do most people use to find schools for them? Are there any suggestions for me? I'm a TX resident and rank in the top 5% of my class. I also do prefer urban settings, but anything that has the "college town" vibe I would like. I'm also interested in some LACs/smaller schools.</p>

<p>Thanks for the help :)</p>