Cody, I salute your maturity and growth. It reads as though you’ve some tough obstacles yet you persevered and that says a great deal about you - and all of it positive. My condolences on your losses. I mean that.
Congratulations on continuing your research into the best options for you.
Most colleges figure your weighted GPA on core classes only. Honors will give an extra .5 of a point. IB, AP, and DE courses will give you a full point more. It makes no difference on which, it will be a point.
I look forward to reading of your final decision and am sure that it will be the perfect option for you (for you’ll make it so) as you step forward into your future.
(I believe too the universe is listening to your internal voice even if you are not - you do not want a large, public school and “it” is trying to only help steer you towards where you ultimately really want to be).
Remember, there is always undergrad to work hard, make contacts, NOT go into debt, and then go to GRAD school. At that level, you will have more options, choices, scholarships, etc. through the hard work, contacts, and mentoring you’re sure to find. 
@dad, not sure why it would not be a competitive school? It reads to me it is…