<p>Are you planning on taking college classes while you apply? The other thing to be careful about is that once you have college credit, you are no longer a freshman but a transfer student. Merit aid for students with high stats like yours is for freshmen ONLY. They will not help you get the large merit scholarships as a transfer that your stats will get you as an entering freshman.</p>
<p>If you have graduated, instead of taking college level classes, consider some kind of “gap year” as a home schooled student. Finish your degree if you need to by taking high school classes online- and AP classes that will get you credit later but won’t undo your status as an entering freshman. Get a job if you can, do some volunteer work in an area that interests you, or research. Go on some mission trips with your church or anything that would enrich you- play an instrument, art classes, drama, sports…</p>