<p>*I live in New York, and I will apply to a few financial safeties as well as ones that are out of reach & see evaluate what I can afford. My parents will likely be able to fork out a few grand, enough to cover ~5k tuition for a state uni but not enough for room/board, or if I decide to go oos. *</p>
<p>Good…as long as you apply to a few SUNYs/CUNYs that you know will be affordable, then you can apply elsewhere too…but do not get your hopes on any one school.</p>
<p>Also, include a few SUNYs that you think you’ll get some merit scholarships. I think Sk8rmom knows which ones give merit. That will help with room and board.</p>
<p>Also, find out what your FAFSA EFC is. If your income and EFC are low, then you’ll get some Pell Grant money and maybe some TAP money.</p>
<p>BTW…talk to your folks…if they really are lowish income, even coming up with $5k per year may be a problem. That’s about $500 a month…few lowish income people have an extra $500 per month to put towards tuition. </p>
<p>Good luck with your SATs…that will make a difference for some schools.</p>