I know you’re just beginning this process, however, it may be helpful to prioritize your goals NOW. To begin, let me offer a simply “question and answer” approach – there are only two question, but they are both very important – in a hypothetical “discussion” between the two of us;
- Me #1: You understand how critical it is for your LONG future to attend and to graduate from college?
- You #1: Yes, it can be fundamental to my future and it can change the course of my entire life.
- Me #2: Can you afford college without financial aid?
- You #2: No, I will certainly requires substantial FA.
Okay, we agree (don’t we) that these fundamental premises are correct? Therefore, you really need to focus on two areas. First, schools that will admit someone with your qualifications (and remember, there are LOTS of colleges, so there are many). Second, a PLAN that is AFFORDABLE (this cold mean CC first, with – in some states – guaranteed admission and credit transfer to a reputable public university after two years, or it could mean a public university in your home-state immediately after high school, or even a out-of-state public university that offers large financial grants to individuals who meet specific qualification).
You need to begin research the options NOW; your Guidance Office and Google are your allies. You also need to WORK HARD to increase you GPA, to study for the SAT/ACT examination, and to take courses that will convince colleges that you can perform well academically.
I wish you the best of luck.