<p>Well, doesn’t make much difference what any of us say as far as reach, match, all that. I say that because you have a strong high school record and so there is no reason NOT to apply to any of those schools. You might get into 6 or more, or you might only get into 2. You don’t say if you are in-state for W&M, and I don’t know enough about McGill’s selectivity to comment on them. Tulane I think you are very likely, and the rest who knows.</p>
<p>Top 5% of your high school class is a big plus, and you have challenged yourself well with AP courses. The ACT is a bit on the low side for the most selective schools like Chicago and Northwestern, although certainly they have a fair number of students with that score, 30 being the 25th percentile for Northwestern and 28 being the corresponding number for Chicago. I was surprised it was that low for Chicago, but I know they put a great deal of weight on their famous essay.</p>
<p>Even though I feel sure you will get accepted to Tulane, I would still make sure you apply to some absolute safties. Of course, if you apply to Tulane EA by early October, you will probably hear pretty quickly, maybe by end of October if they have all your materials. Then you would know you have at least one. Are finances an issue?</p>