@dadstressed, didn’t mean to dis Middlebury, my apologies. I thought I was praising it, but I do have an understated communication style.
@mdcmom
No worries I wasn’t sure 
OP, having just come through a round of admissions as mom of a low income family, here are some thoughts.
– Apply to Questbridge! You have nothing to lose. Even if you don’t get accepted as finalist, you will have essay material, support from the teachers and guidance counselors who write your rec’s, and a better idea about admissions.
– Be sure you have TWO safeties. This means schools 1) you know you will be admitted to and 2) that you are sure you can afford and 3) that you would be excited about attending. A couple of state schools, maybe? Two because it is nice to have a choice – especially if your other options turn out to be unaffordable.
– Look into merit and “meets 100% need” schools – and understand differences between the two. You may include both types of schools but you will probably find that your case leans one way or the other. In our case the latter strategy was what we went for. Even merit scholarships that offer full tuition were not going to be as generous as need-based financial aid from some schools.
– Run net price calculators with accurate figures to find out your possible packages (and then be prepared for the aid to be less). Notice if loans are included. If the school uses CSS Profile, try to get an idea what is asked. Home equity? Cars? Your parents’ student loans, medical bills, etc.?
– Set a realistic geographical range. Would you be willing to go to school in Minnesota? Iowa? Places where there is less selectivity but just as good financial aid / academics? Is the net price low enough to offset plane tickets?
– If you are female, consider women’s colleges!
– Don’t set your heart on a “dream school.” Love the school that loves you.