If I have an unweighted gpa of 3.8 but am ranked top 5% in a public, average school (not that competitive), and have an ACT score of a 35, would I have a decent chance at top schools if my ECs are on par with the school?
A 3.8 UW GPA is not low.
Sorry about that, I meant in terms of top colleges
No one has a “decent” chance at top schools. All you can do is apply to a broad suite of schools that will likely accept you and toss in a couple of “reach” school apps, fully expecting denials from the latter group.
Chancing me is really a fruitless exercise. All you can hope for is to be viable. A 35 and 3.8GPA makes you viable IMHO. But that still equals a rotten chance – like everyone else.