<p>mom2ck is doing a great job with the finance side so let me offer me ideas on the academics. First of all, not to be anal-retentive but “how much is too much”, probably should read “how many are too many”. Second, you say your ACT is low but looking at a SAT/ACT conversion a 30 equates to roughly a 1980 - 2000 on the SAT (versus your 1880). So I’m thinking statistically you’re about we’re you’re going to end up. Third, while there may be some differences between the caliber of physics taught at your schools, the differences after MIT and CalTech will be marginal.</p>
<p>So, a “good but not perfect” GPA plus 1900 - 2000/30 standardized test scores means…</p>
<p>1) Dump the OOS publics, you aren’t going to get into a better public than UNC (a reach for you) and NC State is on par with your other publics. 2 down.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>MIT and CalTech are massive reaches for most candidates, your standardized test scores make them even bigger long shots, so unless you have an Intel Science award in your back pocket, dump both or at most keep 1 as you “lottery ticket” school. 1 more down.</p></li>
<li><p>The four Ivies, Duke and Chicago are only marginally easier to get into that MIT/CalTech. I’d save no more than three: My suggestion keep Penn, Cornell & Duke. 3 more down.</p></li>
<li><p>The remainder, BC, Rice, WF, JHU. Since you express no preferences whatsoever about your collegiate experiences, these four schools are essentially interchangeable. So I’d drop 1 or 2; me I’d drop Rice and Wake, but I don’t love hot weather. 2 more down.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>By my count you’re now down to 9:</p>
<p>UNC
NCState
Duke
Penn
Cornell
BC
JHU
MIT</p>
<p>Without knowing more details of your academic profile, to me your only safety is NCState, so I’d look to add another in-state public to your list. I think you still have too many reach schools; I’d do some research on other options, Case-Western, University of Miami (it seems to have been a good scholarship year down there this year), etc.</p>