If there is one piece of advice that I could give, it’s to implore you to seriously research a range of good safety schools that you would gladly attend if you are unable to attend the top schools on your list, and then to show serious interest. The college acceptance process has become more unpredictable in recent years - I have been through the process twice with my children and both times we were surprised by ‘safety’ schools that either offered far less aid than their reputation suggested or waitlisted my child despite their having test scores that should have all but guaranteed admission. Don’t fall in love with those top schools yet, because you might ultimately find that they will not love you back.