What is the BEST college/university in Wisconsin that I can consider a "Safety?"?

Question

Here's what I haver to offer:

3.55 Unweighted GPA (Mostly honors and AP Classes)
4.2 Weighted GPA
Straight A's from Middle of 10th grade through all of 11th
ACT: 30
Cross Country Running: 6 years
3 Musicals, 2 lead roles
3 Spring Plays
1 year of track
8 years piano
5 years band
1 year honor band
2 years Jazz Ensemble
I have had several of my writings published through AP English
Voted "Friendliest" in Junior Class
"Positive Role Models offering Support" Group
Peer Tutor
WEB Leadership Group
Senior Leadership Team
Junior Leadership Team
Active member of "operation Christmas child"
I was always on the honor roll, excluding 9th grade
Volunteered w/ food shelter a few times
I helped direct a play
I'm a caring person and try to include everyone in everything
Held a PT job 2 years (Still have it)
I'm really good at personal statements- mine are always really good
I will have 2-3 great recommendations
(Reason for Low GPA is extreme depression during freshman year)

Answer 1

Colleges look for improvement each year in high school, so your GPA isn't as "bad" as you are imagining. I would think UW Madison is a definite. Don't use a laundry list of activities in your application--put things together that show leadership abilities, show teamwork, and show breadth of experience. Good luck!

Answer 2

I think you'll get into UW-Madison, which is a great school. It's a target/safety--I hesitate to say a full safety because 53% of accepted freshman last year had a GPA above a 3.7, while only 23% had a GPA of 3.5+. But everything else is quite good--that's why I say a safety.
A real safety would be Lawrence University, ranked #54 on America's Best Colleges list (USNews.com) of liberal arts schools. Beloit College is #67. Marquette University is #84 on the best National Universities.