You are getting some excellent advice here, OP. I would echo the sentiment that instead of spending time doing all those supplemental essays, spend those hours researching schools and defining which are best for YOU.
Part of your research should be running net price calculators! Being a QB finalist gives you an edge in RD – but if you have not been matched, you will get their regular fin aid. You will be surprised how much it can vary. In our case, the most generous QB school on S’s list costs $8 K less than the least generous QB school on his list.
Know your limit and no school which projects over that limit stays on the list. This includes subsidized loans only, by the way. This may eliminate some schools. Remember you will have many expenses for books, travel, etc., so don’t be tempted to go over what your family can realistically afford.
As a second step, I suggest you categorize by acceptance rate/your stats’ fit into top 25%. In other words, if a school has less than 15% acceptance rate, even if your stats are at the top, don’t get too confident. Try to pick a couple that have programs strong in your interests…that have excellent fin aid (see above)…and that have more generous acceptance rates.
Let us know how it goes!