<p>I mentioned in the post (but it is a big mass of text so it was easy to miss it) that I wanted to apply to a program in Physics.</p>
<p>The money during the application process is indeed a concern. Application fees, sending test scores (SAT, ACT, SAT subject tests…) and so on will be very financially straining.</p>
<p>I haven’t been looking at tuition issues very much as I hope not to limit myself in that regard. Many of the schools on the list have special policies for students with family incomes like mine (no charge for tuition, no loan financial aid - grants and work study, etc) so assuming I get into one of the better end schools I’m not terribly worried about finances. But mainly, I’ve always dealt with the reality that I’d be graduating from college (and further education) in serious debt, but it’s always been an inevitability rather than any real surprise. So i can’t say I want to or even know how to put financial safeties on my list. If you had any suggestions I’d be very glad to hear them. Thank you very much so far :).</p>