<p>My concern- reading your posts- is not if you get into any of these colleges ( you might get accepted to some) but then how will you pay for it?</p>
<p>The most selective colleges are also generous with need based financial aid, but they also select from the most high achieving students. Colleges in the list you have are not likely to award you the amount of financial aid you need to attend. Included in the cost of attending college is also transportation. </p>
<p>I would advise you to look at options that are affordable to you and your family- and this would include your in state options, as well as community colleges.I know that isn’t a popular choice here on CC, but for a student with financial need, it can be a savings and a good step towards your goals. </p>
<p>Also, many engineering students have taken advanced classes such as AP Calculus, AP physics and also other AP classes. Starting at a CC could be an opportunity to take additional advanced math classes, and your general education classes required by most colleges - English, history, foreign language, at a lower cost than at a four year college. With planning, you could be prepared to transfer into a four year state college. </p>
<p>Although improving standardized tests, and writing a good essay helps, it doesn’t “make up” for other parts of the application. Colleges look at everything. Of course you should do your best in every section. </p>
<p>In general, state colleges provide the best financial options for in state residents, so looking for financial aid at an out of state college is rarely better unless one attains a merit scholarship- and one has to be at the top of the application pool for that. Joining the armed forces, like your brother has, is one way to get funding for college. I think you are capable of getting a college degree, however, to get that degree, you should look at your best financial options.</p>