So there was another thread - a student had a 3.4 and thought he was ranked at 40% - and myself and many others would say no shot at Tufts, for example, because 97% or whatever it is are 10%. And even a Rochester, 97% are top 25% and 75% are top 10.
But people pointed out that he goes to a top prep school - and even their mid tier students go to outstanding universities.
In that sense, talk to your guidance counselor. I’m not saying with a 3.6, it’s no impossible.
But a 4.0 unweighted and 4.6 weighted with a 34-36 is dime a dozen - forget the Ivies - but even at a Chicago or Rice or even down to WUSTL and Emory. Obviously things that help are ED and/or full-pay.
Not saying you shouldn’t take your shot - but my belief in general terms the 36 won’t outweigh the GPA. It may help…but it’s not the trigger that pushes you over. But at your very solid flagships - FSU, Az, Bama…to name a few…it’s going to score you a great deal!!
So my daughter’s valedictorian this year had a 4.0, 4.5+ weighted, 36 but I’m guessing not strong on the ECs.
Applied to 16 of the top 20. 0 for 16. Got into NYU full pay and UT Knoxville on scholarship - where she is now.
Don’t forget, all these public schools have strong Honors Colleges - and you have many a “I got into an Ivy” at Bama, U of SC, ASU, Pitt, Florida and the many strong Honors Colleges out there - and with your #s, there’s no guarantee you get into all of those.
Shoot for the moon - but just trying to answer your question.
Good luck - like everyone have targets, reaches, and safeties. And you’ll be fine.
PS - a marketing is advertising. A publication sliced and diced some data and put it out there and people glom onto it. Find the right school for you. Don’t fall into a trap like that. My daughter is going to the 16th ranked of her 17 acceptances - but the right one for her.
Good luck.