RushRealSlow

Hey everybody, I'm currently in my senior year of SUNY Fredonia (NY) where I am finishing up my degree in English Adolescent Education with my minor in Spanish. I come from a long line of blue collar workers and both my parents are disabled; for this reason, I want to get into the best grad school I can. I've been looking at Columbia and Middlebury (for English). I'm looking to get my degree in English Ed or English (if they the GRE isn't mandatory) for my professional certification for teaching. Here is some information to help you out: I have a 3.79 overall GPA, which is the same as my program GPA. I've been an Resident Assistant for 2 years (all male Freshman building, did involve volunteer work) and a Spanish & Writing tutor for 3 years at my school's tutoring center. I'm in Alpha Lambda Delta (Freshman honor society), Golden Key Society, and Sigma Tau Delta (English honor society). I was the social chair for Teacher Education Club for 2 semesters, Special Events Chair for Spectrum Entertainment for 2 semesters (was in charge of a 35,000 dollar budget), Fredonia Fest planing committee for 4 semesters (brought Cartel and O.A.R.), and I was the advisor for Hall Council for 2 years. I also won the Maytum-Strong Scholarship, which is given to third year English Ed. majors who show great potential and show high financial need. I'm also gay, but I don't think that will count me as a minority since it seems to be primarily based on race. I really appreciate your time and answers! I'm just so very confused about grad school and I don't want to apply to schools which I have no chance of getting into, thus wasting my time and money!