<p>Look at George Mason and Elon. The cost to an out of state student will be the same, although the fin-aid may be structured differently as Elon is private. Your 3.0 is right on at GMU, and slightly low at Elon (their avg is a 3.4). Your scores are high for both so this may bring you merit aid.</p>
<p>I understand you feel you ‘deserve’ a top education based on your top 1% score, however keep in mind this is one test on one day. Your GPA of 3.0 is a culmination of three years and speaks much louder. If you had a 3.8 reaching for a 4.0 school with top scores, then yes your scores may balance out. Students with perfect scores are turned down at schools every year…it’s not a magic bullet. You would be wise to include some match schools on your list, then add your reach. If a school takes a chance on you, great! If not, you have looked into schools that are a match to your GPA and will have options there. Students who have high GPAs and low test scores face this same difficulty.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>