<p>I agree with PVmusicmom here </p>
<p>OP states that the State school is a safety that he really doesn’t want to attend. If OP would consider a gap year rather than go to the state school, it might not be a safety.</p>
<p>One of my recommendations to OP – look at schools that have EA programs. The advantage is that in most cases, you can apply to your first choice ED and still apply to a number of EA programs. If you don’t get into your ED school, you may get into one of the EA schools (which then makes it a safety).</p>
<p>For example, a year ago, D applied to Tulane and Michigan (not really safety schools for anyone) EA and was admitted to both. It took a lot of pressure off when she got in. (PS – if you apply to Tulane, make sure to get your app in early).</p>
<p>My other advice for a top student, with schools like Reed and Occidental, which really aren’t safeties, make sure to show them some love. Visit if possible, attend events sponsored by the schools, if possible. Spend as much time on their essays as you do on your others. I otherwords, don’t take them for granted.</p>