GPA? I assume it is high if you are 3d in your class unless the class is very small. I will be interested in seeing what some of the more experienced folks here at CC have to say. I would not place a lot of weight on the opinions of a couple of brand new members. You do not really provide enough information to allow anyone to give a realistic opinion. Your post suggests that you might be able to write an excellent essay, but that is only part of the story. You sound like a very nice person, but you need much better test scores to aspire to the schools you mention.