<p>I think you have a very good shot at Cornell. You are from Alabama, probably first generation to go to collegel (?). I hope you are a green card holder, otherwise very little aid for you. </p>
<p>Columbia has an engineering school. What about schools like Lehigh or Lafayette? Next tier down, easier to get in, good schools, possibly good aid. What about UMich, not sure about how good they are with aid if you are out of state.</p>
<p>If you need FA, often top private schools will give you more aid than public schools.</p>
<p>To get into those top privates, it will be about your essays and application. I think you will have very good chance if you could present yourself well in your application/essays. I would suggest for you to have an adult in the marketing business to take a look. Ask your English teacher(s) to read your essays.</p>
<p>Make sure you list any major music awards, especially if you won any state or national competition. Even if you just made it to the final of a competition, put it down.</p>
<p>Good luck. I think you will get into a good school. You will just need to cast your net a bit wider than other people. Go to the engineering or financial aid forum, you will get better advice from some parents. Most of us do not go to “What’s my chance forum.”</p>