I’m going to be a bit harsh. Given your college ambitions, your GPA just doesn’t cut it. I can only come to one of two conclusions, assuming a lack of exceptional extenuating circumstances.
(1) You’re just not smart enough for those schools. You tried hard, you did your best and a 3.1 was the best that you could do. That’s fine. It certainly doesn’t mean that you’re stupid or that you’ll never get a good job or have a happy life. Plenty of people aren’t Mensa candidates and still have successful careers and fulfilling lives. Focus on realistic reaches (i.e., schools where you actually might get admitted) and even more so on appropriate matches and safeties.
OR
(2) In fact, you’re just as bright as the kids who get into the schools on your dream list and you didn’t bother trying. Maybe you’ve only recently realized you have a brain and like using it. I’ve known people like that. Lesson learned. Effort matters. For now, focus on realistic reaches (i.e., schools where you actually might get admitted) and even more so on appropriate matches and safeties. Work hard and do extremely well wherever you do attend and from there you can go on to a prestigious grad program. I’ve known several people who followed a path like that.