Thank you @insanedreamer and @peachstatekid. I’m glad that other people do understand where I’m coming from. My intended major is Biology and either a secondary major or minor in Spanish.
Your test scores do not define you. You seem like a very accomplished student and need to shift focus of your energy on schools which will value what you have to offer. You might get admitted to a reach school or two, or you might not, so it is important to have some matches and a few safeties so that you can have some choices to pick from in the spring.
You have not wasted 4 years of your life. The dedication and hard work which got you this far will serve you well and help you be successful, no matter which college you attend, never regret doing your best!
Juniata and Duquesne seem like nice matches for your test scores. UPITT main, UMass, low matches. Gannon is a high match/safety for you. La Salle U in Philly is a nice medium sized school which would be worth a look as a safety.
@crisis.averted biology and Spanish are widely available majors at lots of schools; I’d suggest you look at some LACs which de-emphasize SAT scores and where your ECs/GPA will stand out. You’ll also need to show interest, so do your research. Here are a few excellent schools that are SAT optional:
- Wesleyan
- Smith
- Bates
- Wake Forest (http://admissions.wfu.edu/apply/test-optional/)
- Union College (https://muse.union.edu/newsarchives/2006/10/17/union-latest-school-to-become-sat-optional-for-admission/)
- Denison (http://denison.edu/forms/test-optional-policy)
- Assuming you're female since you meantion cheerleading: BrynMawr, Smith
Did you do any SAT or AP subject tests? If you did better in those, than you can substitute them at:
- Hamilton (http://www.hamilton.edu/admission/apply/requirements)
- Colorado College
(you can search for others)
Consider applying to schools that are test optional, because your gpa and ecs are very good. That 24 will keep you from getting into some of the schools you want. It’s lousy that the tests carry so much weight, but it’s the way it is at many schools.
Some thins you say are not fair. I got a pretty good SAT score but worked hard for it. I ALSO worked hard for my GPA. Like it or not, college is as much tests as it is learning.
What is your financial situation? Do you have a budget?
Here is a list of the highest ranked test optional schools. Go test optional!
https://colleges.niche.com/rankings/best-test-optional-colleges/
If you liked Johns Hopkins, does that mean you like Baltimore?
If so, then consider neighboring Loyola University Maryland.
ACT median band = 25-29 (acc. to 2016-17 Common Data Set), but it’s test optional.
u should not give up on your SAT/ACT
you took it several times OK, BUT THAT doesnt mean you cant raise it. you probs dont prepare as you should . approach it like a real thing 
Your GPA is great. The problem is your test scores.The SAT and ACT scores aren’t bad, but they aren’t great. Many other high school students applying to your reach schools are within and/or exceed the range of your GPA, SAT, and ACT scores.
If you can’t get accepted or afford your “reach” schools, you should aim for a solid cheap college institution and an internship related to your chosen major. Complete your general education courses, required courses for your “reach” school, and have at least a 3.5 GPA at your cheap college institution. When you get around 30 - 60 college credits, attempt to transfer to your preferred “reach” school. The “reach” school may now be more interested in you because you have shown that you can handle college level work, and obtain an internship.
Sometimes people may not reach their goals when they expect it to happen. It’s possible that’s you will have to delay your goal of attending a “reach” school. This is reality, you have to adjust to your life situations accordingly.
@crisis.averted Part of the reason I think your test scores are important in the application is because there is a large difference between your GPA and how you did on the test. To some colleges, doing so well academically and yet not performing super well on the test is a red flag that there might be grade inflation at your school. In that regard, there is some merit to using test scores in an application, however I agree with you that it’s crazy how much weight its given.
@SillyJillie423 Yes, the red flag of grade inflation is what I was worried about… I can promise you that there is not grade inflation at my school. In fact, there is grade deflation in some classes. For some reason, it is just difficult for me to take tests that are multiple choice. I honestly have no logical explanation for this other than the fact that I can be extremely indecisive when I am presented with several different choices. I do see why test scores are needed and I agree with you that it is a red flag, it is just extremely frustrating and discouraging.
Also, I just wish that my test score- GPA contrast said that although I may not be a student who is above everyone else, I put in the work to make sure that I am.