<p>What was your PSAT score? If you’re a likely NMSF, there are big scholarships out there at some schools. My son went to his safety school as a NMF because of the big scholarship. Alabama gave him free tuition, free housing, a laptop, study abroad money, etc.</p>
<p>I’m not sure of your financial situation. It sounds like you want big merit and/or financial aid. </p>
<p>Well, you’d only get financial aid if your family is considered in need. Also, safety schools tend to be bad with financial aid, so you’d need to pick schools that give huge merit for your stats.</p>
<p>How much can your parents contribute each year? If not much, then you definitely need to choose some financial safety schools with assured big merit. </p>
<p>Also, if your family can’t/won’t pay its expected family contribution, then that’s another reason to apply to some financial safety schools with assured big merit.</p>
<p>What is your likely career?</p>