<p>tatanka -- please post your stats and ask for help on the Parent's forum (look at the list on the top left of you screen and click on parents). There are many parents there who could really help you -- select schools, understand financial aid, present yourself well on an application.</p>
<p>While it might be true that your lower SAT scores may indicate that top schools would be a struggle, many top schools understand that and offer a remedial type program (even ivies). Don't sell yourself short -- it looks to me like you have done everything you had the opportunity to do.</p>
<p>also -- consider calling the admissions offices at some top schools (including ivies) and tell them you are interested, what your stats are and that you are a native american. Many schools offer free trips for minorities that are low-income so you can check out the school. Both Gates Millinium and Questbridge will also get you those kinds of offers. I would suggest you email Questbridge and ask if you could possibly get some help with college applications. It never hurts to ask.</p>