<p>Firstly, sorry ccco2018, I should have been more clear. When I said “set in stone,” I meant that I was certainly going to apply there, not that I was certainly going to get in. I am under no false impressions about my lackluster chances for getting into Stanford (or any of these schools), but I’m still going to apply there early decision.</p>
<p>Secondly, thank you so much to everyone who responded (especially BrownParent). I will look into finding some more reasonable safety colleges. I’m not sure if it is consequential, but both of my parents went to medical school at UW, so I figure that that won’t hurt my chances there.</p>
<p>Finally, for anyone else who happens upon this thread, I didn’t specify my preferences for the type of college environment earlier because I’m flexible about it. Expenses won’t be a problem, for one. I would prefer a school near a reasonably large city, as well as one that doesn’t have a large set of core requirements, but I’ll factor those in once I’m (hopefully) choosing between schools I’ve been accepted to. Quality of education provided and prestige of name are more important to me for deciding where to apply.</p>