<p>aranyia: my parents worked at restaurants their entire lives. They saved $ for me nonetheless. I got accepted to a HYP college which shaved about 2/3 off the entire costs my four years. With their revised FA (because the schools are RICH and don’t want finances to be a barrier to anyone), it would have even been less.</p>
<p>You have great stats. Look at your state school and see what full-ride scholarships you’d be competive for – once you start making waves there, hopefully your folks will see that lots of schools are very benevolent. If you’re a church/temple/mosque attending family, perhaps have a clergyman speak to them? Or your guidance counselor or another trusted family friend who has more experience w/college finances?</p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>