<p>The advice to take the SAT was covered in other threads. Didn’t you previously say the issue was the test centers were not close and/or the schedule wasn’t convenient? </p>
<p>There is a time for pondering, asking lots of questions-- and a time for action. Go to the HR site for Mom’s college and do the research on tuition exchanges or similar benefits. (I’m going to roll my eyes and mutter, if another poster beats you to this!) If it’s not there or not clear, then call. But, that still leaves you with room and board costs, as others here note. </p>
<p>Find colleges where your ACT and gpa are closer to the top quartile. Do that research. Understand that even test-optional schools have ways of assessing whether an applicant is of the same quality as those scorers in the ranges they seek. The trade off for not sending scores is the quality of the “rest of the story” has to be on mark. Pull the Common App and college supplements to see the sorts of questions asked that give adcoms insight into your fit.</p>
<p>See who offers merit money and if you qualify. Mom may have an epiphany between now and next May 1 or so, when acceptance decisions are due. She may turn proud an come up with a few extra dollars. Or, she may throw up her hands and remind you she’s been warning for two years now, that she and Dad can’t afford all the extra costs. That the money isn’t there. That the loan amounts will cripple you after college. </p>
<p>Put it all together, now.</p>