<p>The situation: I can't accept any money from my parents to help me out with paying for college, because they don't make very much at all and they need as much as they can get for my other two brothers. Essentially, if I don't get enough grant money that I can't pay off with about ~$2500 in work money + $5000 in loans (maximum) each year, I can't go.</p>
<p>I've got a GPA of around 3.6, my SATs are a 2140 (720 Writing, 690 Reading, 750 Math), my SAT IIs are a full 800 in Math II and a 730 in Physics (and a 740 in US History, but that's not relevant to engineering). I got 5s on both of my AP Physics C exams, my AP US History exam, and my AP Writing exam. This year I'll be taking the AP Calculus AB exam (probably should've taken that class BEFORE physics... haha).</p>
<p>I've been involved in computer programming and playing rock music by myself and with friends for about 4 years now, and I'm coming from Boston Latin School (important because we're supposed to be seen as 'a tier up' from other public students). </p>
<p>I'm looking for an engineering school and if I can get a good deal I'm more than willing to travel anywhere in the US - any tips?</p>
<p>I think you should start with two years at community college. Federal loans would cover most if not all of it.</p>
<p>Many community colleges have agreements with 4 year schools, so from there I would suggest finding a state school you could commute to if possible.</p>
<p>If your GPA is a 3.5+ for grades 9-11 (weighted is fine), then Alabama would give you…</p>
<p>Presidential Scholarship for OOS students who apply by Dec 1st.</p>
<p>Students who have a 32-36 ACT or 1400-1600 SAT (critical reading and mathematics scores only) and at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA will receive out-of-state tuition for four years.</p>
<p>And…as an engineering student…you’d also get this…</p>
<p>Students who have a 32-36 ACT or 1400-1600 SAT (math and verbal scores only) and at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA will receive $2,500 per year for four years.</p>
<p>If your EFC is 0, then you’d also get a 5550 Pell Grant, a 5500 student loan, and probably 2500 in work-study. That would cover all your costs.</p>
<p>Free tuition
2500
5550 Pell
5500 student loan
The above amounts plus work study and any summer earnings will cover everything.</p>
<p>No need to start at a CC when you have a 4 year alternative. Not only that, as a CC transfer, you’d hardly get much merit at all. You might then be limited to only being able to commute to a local public. Take advantage of your stats now.</p>
<p>What M2CK said about transfer scholarships is correct. We looked at the option of going to CC for 2 years, then transfering. It is more expensive in many cases than going in as a freshman. There are almost no scholarships or special programs for transfer students.</p>