<p>Life is about choices. I understand that your family has had their necessary priorities helping family and such but I question the money spent on private K - 12 schools. That was money that your family decided would be best used in that way. Depending upon numbers, that could be between $30,000 - $60,000 available for your college education. Likewise with your sister and any other siblings that you have. I know of plenty of families that stretched their budget with private K - 12 schools and then wonder where the money is for college. The good news is that assuming that you have been producing the grades, you will end up with a wonderful education. It may just not be the private institution that you crave.</p>