<p>Keep working on the need based aid dilemma. I’d suggest that your parents call (or visit if you’re close) the financial aid office of a couple of schools. The formulas are set up to deal with the majority of cases, but individual schools are open to discuss the exceptions.</p>
<p>If that works out, certainly pursue Swarthmore, Wesleyan & Haverford. Maybe less obvious culturally, but still strong in science – especially for women – Williams and Hamilton.</p>
<p>For merit aid and strong sciences I’d second Grinnell, Smith.</p>
<p>EDIT: I see on your chances thread that you are a junior. That’s good, you still have some time to work through the financial side and research your options more thoroughly. What state are you in? [LOL, as in “state of the union” not “state of mind.”]</p>