1 ) Rowing can be an EC if you volunteer for an Adaptive Rowing Program operating out of a BH/ Club. If you’re still a Novice ( which I assume you are ) and you want to row at BS, I’d suggest that you change Rowing from an “EC” to your Sport and work on a time that will get some attention.
To do this ( considering your age and experience ) - I’d enlist a coach at your BH or in-house college coach to help you shoot for something around or below 6:30- if possible . If you’re a young lady, shoot for something that hovers around 7:00. Or, you can abandon that idea and frame your rowing as something you’d like to continue ( if you’re accepted ), and leave it there.
I like expressing interest and the attention- getting 2K best, but that’s just me. Just understand that Rowing isn’t an EC unless you’re working with adaptive rowers or out there eating a sandwich. 
Rowing is actually serious business and very competitive at BS.
2 ) All schools in the Top 40-45 are in the position to give you or anyone else a full ride or generous aid. The assertion that the schools above are the only games in town ( for FA ) is a myth. I’d like to say it’s a big fat lie , but that would be too abrupt even if it’s true TIP: You’re actually decreasing your chances for an acceptance with substantial aid by joining the herd.
Your apply-to list needs some work so I’d recommend that you add more schools to your Herd List.
3 ) I’d investigate and apply to more boarding schools with rowing programs. If you really want to go- I’d add at least six more schools ( to what you already have ) and ask for fee waivers, if you need them. If you can’t visit a school for whatever reason, you can request an alum interview done locally ( if available ), or arrange for a Skype interview with Admissions.
4 ) I assume you know that Hotchkiss doesn’t have a Rowing program. I’m sure you’re fine with it because Hotchkiss is an amazing school… even though they totally blew it and greatly diminished their stature and desirability by not offering the sport. Sailing is fun though… I guess.
Just checking… . and having a little fun.
5 ) You’re NOT " hopeless ". You just need to be a little smarter and more strategic than everyone else - especially when you’re applying for V Form -which tends to be a Hail Mary app for any student. Question: Would you consider repeating IV Form? If you are open to repeating, you will need to convey that important tidbit to your AO(s) NOW during interviews, or in an email, or on your completed app(s). Just throwing it out there because sometimes that’s actually a great option for some applicants and many people don’t think about it . FWIW- Repeating IV Form can be a great cushion for any academic adjustments that you’ll face as opposed to having absolutely no cushion whatsoever during V Form. In other words: Tell us now if you have a death wish for your junior year and I’ll just layoff the whole repeating thing…
I kid. Kind of…
All you need to say ( to the AO ) is that you’d be willing to let Admissions make the ultimate grade determination based on their review of your completed app- and that you’d be open to both IV and V Form. PLEASE NOTE: This request does not diminish or compromise your app ( or chances ) in any way. It’s a common practice and depending on FIT and your overall app, it can yield good results because you’re showing them that you’re a realist who has put some thought into this and your completely fine with putting your ball in their court.
Plus- YOU will likely end up where you need to be. Did someone say, bonus?
Now - before you decide- ask yourself the right questions and properly assess your strengths and weaknesses. Can you jump into a very intense BS environment and hit the ground running? Can you maintain or significantly improve your GPA and navigate living independently out of the gate? Know this: Academically- V Form is the most brutal BS year known to mankind . TBH- it’s an unforgiving beast. Have you factored everything into your decision? Think about it, and if it makes sense for your future wellbeing and happiness - apply for both . If it doesn’t make sense to repeat - apply only for V! But at least sit down with a parent and hash it out now because after you submit the app, it will be too late. You can’t go back post M10 with a FA- WL decision and say- Hey! I’d like to be considered for IV Form, too! Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way… they need to have that information now.
6 ) Remember: Every school in the Top 40-45 ( including some amazing single sex boarding schools ) can give you a world class education and experience. It would behoove you to branch out and add some “Gems” to your Herd List. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you might find in the Top 40-45… maybe even blown away.
Best of all… you still have time.
Go jump on an erg and get your time down. Good luck !! 
), Student Representative 10th grade, Latin tutor. I know, doesn’t show much passion