<p>Have you looked into Questbridge? If not, go see your guidance counselor and see if you qualify. If so, it would be very worth while for you to go through the hoops to participate. </p>
<p>I know nothing about Virginia, but check with your guidance counselor to see if it has any special programs to encourage college attendance among low-income students. In NY, we have HEOP–Higher Educational Opportunity Program. Students who qualify for it have a much better chance of getting into private colleges in NY State than they do if they don’t participate. They also get some extra help while in college.</p>