<p>I agree with dsultemeier–especially about your criteria for safety/match types (just curious). I know Rice is need-based or something…is that how you chose?</p>
<p>I think you’ve definitely got a good shot at your schools, especially with your SAT scores. Yes, your GPA is a <em>bit</em> low for Yale/Stanford/Pomona, but that low. Plus, the fact that you are first generation and African American will help you since competitive schools are on the look out for intelligent minority students (which you certainly are).</p>
<p>For SAT2’s I’d recommend (if you haven’t decided already) that you take Literature (you seem to do well in English!) and maybe Math 2 (if you’ve taken Precalc that is, otherwise Math 1 works well). You might need a third one for Rice, I’m not sure.</p>
<p>Heh. I always wanted to know what “10char” meant! 
As to the “fickle bunch” part, remember that this is a board and that people tend to look/lurk more than they post. ;)</p>
<p>Good luck with applications and financial aid and everything! :)</p>