<p>2 points on the ACT = ~120 points on the SAT. NYU’s middle 50%-tile is 29-31, with 29 being the something like the 25%-tile of admitted students. Assuming that your applying to CAS, being below that threshold puts NYU in reach category.</p>
<p>State schools generally expect their OOS applicants to be on the higher end of the spectrum. A 28 on the ACT for an in-state resident in Wisconsin would generally put UW-Madison in match territory, the same can’t be said for a non-resident.</p>
<p>Generally speaking a high ACT/SAT goes in hand with a high GPA. There is rarely any actual “compensation” if one is much relatively lower.</p>
<p>In any case I’m not sure if it’s in your best interest to pursue admissions at these schools given the financial picture you provided. They are likely not going to give you a lot of money, and I’d think anyone would advise against taking out significant loan money to pay for your tuition fees.</p>