LONG POST WARNING 
It seems like everyone on this forum is applying to some truly incredible schools and has stellar stats and ECs. I’m not really like that, so sorry if this seems out of place. I’ve slacked a bit during my high school career, but I’m not going to let it stop me from going to a college that’s right for me.
I’m applying at NYU and Bard with probably no chance at getting in, but I’d be even more disappointed if I didn’t give it my best shot. My target schools are Ithaca, Lesley (Cambridge MA), Salem State, and UNH. Also looking into U Buffalo. I’m applying for a psychology major (or occupational therapy at schools who have it). Safeties include Becker, Utica, Vermont tech, and some SUNY schools that offer vet tech majors (my backup plan). Currently in love with all of my targets but not feeling great about my safeties, so I’m really hoping to get into at least one of my target schools. They say “love your safety schools” but I’m not so sure I can do that…
New York resident, high school senior, homeschooled since grade 10. Full time correspondence student at American School Of Corr (fully accredited diploma program). Also working with my local high school to follow all NYS requirements and receive a NYS homeschool diploma (actually not really sure how that works; it’s something my dad is helping me with). Wasn’t planning on college until this year for several unrelated factors, so I don’t have many ECs or advanced classes. I have taken electives in psychology, health, human anatomy (self directed). I’m creating a transcript of other educational activities that are part of my homeschool curriculum, not from American School.
I will be taking the SAT on October 3rd and probably score something like 1600-1800 (consistent with practice tests I’ve been taking). I won’t be taking the ACT. I have excellent test scores on all other exams (NYS Regents in grade 9, ITED and CogAT for 10th and 11th all in the 90th+ percentile). I don’t have a typical GPA since a lot of my education isn’t scored but so far it’s around 3.4 and expected to rise slightly by the time I graduate (the main reason it’s so low is because I had a very hard time in public school during 9th grade).
I have a “part-time” job where I work almost full time hours (sometimes overtime). I have around 2,000 hours or more at that place. I have hundreds of babysitting hours over the years and took a childcare class with the Red Cross when I was 13 or 14, and earned some type of certificate. I was in Girl Scouts for 6 years. I have a hobby caring for small animals and have rescued a few pets. I think ECs is where I’m mainly lacking. Most of my free time has been taken by work, life responsibilities, and then the little time leftover for personal hobbies.
I’m working with a family friend who agreed to “mentor” me. She is a Harvard grad, published author, teaches at Sarah Lawrence and will be writing me a recommendation. I also will have a rec from my main supervisor at work. My parents are writing school counselor/teacher recs.
I’ll be writing my essay on the topic of my childhood. I grew up with a brother who’s severely autistic, and my family has fostered mentally ill children throughout my childhood. I have had a lot of unique experiences because if this, and they’ve helped me to grow and mature. This serves as a backstory for my interest in occupational therapy and similar.
I don’t plan on applying for much (if any) financial aid, which I’m hoping will up my chances at some of the better schools.
What I want to know is, what are my chances at my target schools? Also, how completely insane is it for me to apply at NYU and Bard? Is there anything I can do during my senior year to improve my chances (anything worth doing)? Sorry for the long detailed post, and thank you for your help 