I’m debating either going right into college after high school or going into the military, however, here are my stats as a junior:
3.5 GPA: I might be able to raise this through retaking classes and getting more A’s.
30 ACT: Only have taken it once, with very little studying. If I take it again and prepare better, I am confident I can get it higher.
Extracurriculars:
2 years varsity swim, swimming on a year-round club outside of school season.
President of my state for an international student organization for one year, hoping to get reelected for a second.
President of my school’s club of that state organization, also for one years, and the year before, I was also the secretary. Only year in which I did not have an officer position in this club was my freshman year. I can safely assume that I will get reelected as president for my senior year.
President and founder of my school’s Mental Health and Wellness club.
NHS, like everyone else. I volunteer at my local hospital.
Work a part-time job as a lifeguard/swim teacher
Served as a supervisor for a second job, though I no longer work there as it went out of business.
AP Classes thus far, more senior year:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
World History
US History
Language
ComSci Principles
Statistics
Calculus AB and BC (Calc 3 this year)
Spanish
I have only taken the World and Bio Tests, which I got a 4 and a 3 on, and am planning to take APUSH and Language this year.
My dream school is Johns Hopkins, and while I definitely will apply, I do realize that I have almost no shot at getting in. I am also looking at many of the UC’s. Either way, locationally, I would like to end up on a coast. I realize the biggest thing holding me back is my poor GPA, and am hoping to mend it at least a bit, but I think the best I can get it to is probably a 3.7.
I’m looking to major in Biophysics as a pre-med
I’m a white female from a family who pulls in about 70k a year, so I’m really looking into scholarships, or going into the military to help with aid.
If you are a California resident, UCSC may be a relatively realistic coastal UC. If you are not a California resident, there is no need based financial aid at UCs. In the latter case, check whether the public universities in your state are affordable.
Fortunately, if you live in California, you have a ton of affordable options available. If you don’t live there, then don’t bother. You’re not going to afford it unless you’re super rich. 
If you’re somewhat lower income, then an in-state university is a pretty safe bet, and your stats give you more than plenty of options.
Where are you from? Some colleges on the coasts that pop into my mind are UW - Seattle, University of Miami (FL), College of Charleston, University of Rhode Island (gives good aid!) My question is do you want to be on the water, or just in a state thats on one side of the country
Thank you for all of the replies! I actually live in the midwest, so based on a lot of research and conversations with both current college students and my parents, it looks like I will probably be going to an in state school just to save money. While it definitely wasn’t what I had hoped, it will be better in the long run. Thanks!
If the choice is between a very good college or the military, is West Point/Annapolis/Colorado Springs an option? They provide very good educations in exchange for the service commitment.
With your family income 70K, I think you have better chance to get need base FA from private school than out of state public university. However, GPA 3.5 or even 3.7 GPA for top private school is a stretch unless you have a very good essay. Limiting the location also limiting your chance for a top private school with FA. You sound like you have no problem to get into military, that only you know. I can’t comment.
I wouldn’t enlist in the military unless you were confident about a lifelong career in the armed forces. Reason is that you’ll have a minimum of 4 years enlisted + 2 reserve. That means you would be at least 4 years out of high school before you started college. Attending college while older can sometimes be rewarding, it can be alienating.
I agree with others – if finances and/or grades are an issue then consider a community college or less competitive college to start. You can always transfer to a more competitive college later.