match or reach? are you asking for schools which you think are better than a&m but won't require you to put in a lot of effort to get into?

Ironically, I really think that's what the application process is about (work) and not much else. The more I look at portfolios and speak with people, the more I find out that talent has little to do with admittance into schools. Sure you might be able to get away with less work if you have some serious skills, but if you just throw them in a binder or staple them, you will still get rejected from most schools. I use to think there was a complex formula for making a great portfolio, now I realize that it just comes down to expressing who you are/interests visually, and show that you are passionate and organized in crafting this expression. 

Use www.archschools.org to consider all accredited programs.

Or www.naab.org for a list of accredited programs.

tagalong:

no, not at all. I guess my wording was confusing. I am not at all looking for a school that is better, but easier to get into. I  am merely  looking for some recommendations for some schools that I can apply to that I can have some assurance of getting into. For the most part, this is so I can have the "safety" school. At this point I am only beginning my research into grad programs, and I am currently starting probably the most important semester of undergrad, being the semester of my integrated studio. And I dont quite know my potential/chances of getting in to certain programs just yet. And it seems lately that the scope of my research has consisted of some of the more difficult schools to get into. 

So I am not unwilling to put in the work at all. Honestly, I think if someone doesnt feel like putting in the effort, then architecture is probably the wrong profession to get into. I am planning to apply to as many schools as I can afford, so that i will open up my options. But i dont want to only apply to just the top schools, just because of the fact that come spring, I dont want to get only "declined admission" letters. Again, I am just beginning the process of looking/applying at schools. So at this point I am just trying to cover all my bases.