What colleges do you think I should apply to with my academics?

College Search & Selection
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<p>ACT: 33 31 33 26 with 10 on writing (31 Composite)
9-12 GPA: Unweighted is 3.66 and Weighted is 3.96
10-11 (UC GPA): Unweighted is 3.74 and Weighted is 4.14
SAT Subject tests: 800's on US History and Biology.
AP Scores: 3 on AP Euro, 2 on AP Chem, 3 on AP Calc A/B, and 5 on AP Lang. </p>

<p>I've been on varsity swimming for 3 years and will join again (probably will be captain). I've joined a few clubs in my high school career but have held no leadership roles (yet). I have done some community service like hosting a 5K/10K race, "The Dash of Hope," set up life-sized Candyland board games for kids in the library, run food drives to help combat child hunger and car washes to raise money for community services multiple times. I know I don't have any leadership, and that that's a problem (I'm hoping to change that senior year.). </p>

<p>I want to major in either Biology or Political Science. And I also wanted to ask how my chances would change if I got a 33 or higher on the ACT in september, and if I got 800's on the Literature, Math Level II, and Chemistry subject tests (all to hopefully make up for my sub-par GPA). </p>

<p>Could somebody please tell me what my "Reach, Target, and Safety" schools should be? I know that Harvard and Stanford are obviously "reach," but I wanted to know how to categorize other colleges like UCB, UCLA, UCI, UCD, Northwestern, and whatever colleges you'd like to suggest. Please suggest some and tell me how they should fit into the "Reach, Target, and Safety" system. I want to apply to 9 colleges, so I'd like 3 to fit into each category. </p>

<p>I would be so grateful if somebody would help me because I feel like I only have reach schools and safety schools. Harvard, Stanford, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UCB, and stuff. I don't think I have any target schools...</p>

<p>Thank you so much for your advice!</p>

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<p>I’ll give an idealistic angle: you should be looking for the right schools for you rather than just see how high up the USNWR rankings you can climb. You mention swimming - do you want to swim in college? What is your ability to pay tuition? Do you have a preferred region of the country? Are you set on research universities or would you consider LACs? Large or small school? Do you want or not want a strong Greek scene? What campus culture would be best? Are you looking for a school with a strength in your probable major(s)? With this info, you may get helpful and meaningful advice.</p>