Very realistic with your diagnostic, if you're willing to work. But if you are set on NYU, Columbia, Harvard, or Yale, I'd aim a bit higher -- in the 172-175 range.
Depends on the school. Generally phone call, email, IRL email, status website, or sometimes you’ll know from being able to create an account on the admitted students website
@acsimon I got the same e-mail..I think I (and maybe you) was targeted because of minority status. Did they send you the Affinity Group packet as well?