As suggested in previous replies, study the common data set for each school. Michigan State and USC will be reaches. Both consider GPA, rigor as very important. The SAT scores are in the 25%. James Madison does not report the % of students accepted in each level of GPA, his SAT scores are in the 75% but they also state rigor as very important. Check with the guidance counselor to see if they would tell you how they will record level of rigor in his courses. This will help you to see where he stands in chances for admission at various schools. Many colleges will recalculate the GPA for core courses. Honors and high honors may give a slight bump in the grade for that class, it may bump the total GPA depending upon his grades in the core courses.