<p>Are you a likely NMF? What was your PSAT and what state are you in? New Jersey?</p>
<p>What is your likely major?</p>
<p>How much will your parents pay? It sounds like they’re not prepared to pay much for college, which is why they are directing you to schools where you would get large merit scholarships.</p>
<p>Certainly there are schools that will give you large merit. However, some may only give you full tuition, so you’d still have to pay for room, board, books, fees, etc.</p>