Real problem - NYU GLS

I’m new to CC and I’m really desperate for help. I really really want to go to NYU. I don’t think I have a chance though but thought I would get your feedback anyway. I go to a very rigorous private high school and my GPA is 3.55. Not very good but not horrible. It’s actually really hard to get a high GPA at my school. But the real problem is my ACT score - I have taken it 3 times now, and each time I scored 21. I know it’s horrendous! So embarrassed by this. I have test anxiety. When I do my practice test (all in one sitting with 1 short break just like the real test), I score 29 to 32.

The only saving grace to my app is that I have a business that I started. My business is doing really well - about $500,000 a year in sales. I have 15 employees. My college counselor says that I should apply ED anyway because i have a lot to offer. I’m so afraid that one look at my ACT and admissions will just laugh - like how dare I apply to such an elite school with a 21 ACT! Do you think I should apply? I don’t want to waste my ED if I don’t stand a chance. (BTW, I don’t need financial aid) - thanks a lot. HELP

NYU is test flexible. Do you have better AP scores you can submit instead?

https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/how-to-apply/standardized-tests.html