<p>Goodness gracious, sakes alive! If someone earns 300k a year, they are in a wicked tax bracket. Which means they have to do SOMETHING to get those taxes down. But regardless, if they are living beyond their means or living hand to mouth, then they are likely living a flashy life and not planning very well for their kids. And you are absolutely correct to assume that financial aid will be sparse if non existent for someone in that situation. Even so, at many state schools, the tuition isnt the killer...its room/board and fees which can top 10k just by themselves quite easily.</p>
<p>The solution for a kid in this situation is to ensure the FAFSA is complete and all the debts are listed. You may get something, but it will likely be student loans. If your grades and SAT scores are high enough, then scholarship money comes into play. Your SAT scores may well be in that category for many schools.</p>
<p>So one asks the question? Why BC? Is the Boston location the key for you?</p>
<p>I would apply to as many schools as you can possibly find the time for and the application fees. If your parents truly dont have the money (which I sort of doubt actually....perhaps they are telling you that so that you perform to the highest standards...a sort of weird motivator, in hopes you get scholarship money), and then see what packages you get. With your grades and SAT scores and EC's you will be fine at most schools. I know kids with LOWER SAT's who got into Ivy League, Duke, Tufts, Vanderbilt etc. So relax about that aspect and dont obsess about "chances" (or fish for compliments). Just work hard this year, make your applications EARLY AND OFTEN (like voting...lol) and then wait on the results like everyone else.</p>
<p>If BC is special to you in some way, make sure your application spells that out and then apply ED. But remember, if you apply ED you are obliged to attend and they may or may not award a scholarship/financial aid sufficient for you to afford it.</p>
<p>DONT make the mistake of only applying to a few of the elite schools. You could get left in the cold.</p>
<p>Know that plenty of kids with SAT's above 1450 go to lesser name schools....often because of money....</p>
<p>Fit is more important than anything for your college experience. I know one kid who is at UNC Chapel Hill and is already miserable. Too big, too liberal and too much a party school, despite its stellar rankings and academic rigor. He would have been happier at a small private college that is more moderate and more sober. So be careful.</p>
<p>And finally, sit down with your parents right now and discuss the financial picture immediately so you know what you/they can afford and what you can't afford. You can always get student loans which are not tied to your parents income...but they carry hgher interest rates and require earlier payments.</p>
<p>Good luck. BC is a great school in a great college town. I think you will get in....though Princeton often rejects kids with great stats and admits kids with lower stats for various reasons. Admissions is a weird process.</p>