This may be at least in part due to the general tendency of forum posters to overestimate the importance of SAT/ACT scores, probably because other measures (e.g. high school grades) are difficult to compare, or not as consistently available (e.g. SAT subject and AP scores). But it may also reflect not realizing that there is less grade inflation at less selective schools, and that courses at less selective schools could still be difficult.
Thanks to all!! So many great ideas to research!!
I just sent a message to a friend who is on the admissions committee for WVU’s med school asking her about the stellar (3.7) GPA vs good (3.5) in an “easy” soft major vs Chem E . . . and am awaiting her insights. She’s always tapping me for vet related questions, so it was great to have a chance to take advantage of her expertise. I’ll post back what I learn. 
Just a quirky note on SAT scores. A friend (Olin grad!! Awesome school!) worked for Microsoft for a couple years post graduation (from OLIN) and then a couple years ago he took a new job at quirky small educational software company. He needed his SAT scores (which were stellar, fortunately) for the application/interview process!! Yep, 6 or more years since he took them . . . His mom (my friend) had to dig the scores out of old boxes of records!
Anyway, I’ve got lots to digest from all your great feedback, and I really appreciate all your efforts and helps!
FWIW, I do think that grade inflation is insane at some schools. My understanding was that in the 80s/90s anyway (when my best friend was at Yale), the average grade at most Yale undergrad classes was around a B+ or maybe even better. Average!!! And, they could drop classes with no permanent record until REALLY late in the semester. I swear, it was like right before finals or something crazy like that. They go to a large effort to make sure their grads are appealing to grad programs, etc . . . So, anyway, i could see how an Ivy undergrad degree wouldn’t necessarily make up for un-stellar grades because I’d imagine that admit committees know very well how hard those schools work to keep their grads’ grades super high. . . I’d imagine that admit committees know a good bit about which schools grade inflate. I could be wrong, though. I’m looking forward to the insights from my friend.
@Magnetron, I was interested and excited to see that UT-Austin offers Merit scholarships…would that apply to out of state students…I was hopeful but not thinking it would be the case
Sorry about misleading you @tpcrd66 . It’s UT-Arlington. I know nothing about merit at UT-Austin.