<p>What is your parents’ financial situation? Have them fill out the FAFSA and see what their EFC (expected financial contribution) is, or else use an estimator found on a couple of other sites. If it is low (0-10000) then feel free to apply to expensive, highly-ranked privates, as they are likely to give you a lot of aid. If this is the case, concentrate particularly on schools that meet full need, there should be a list somewhere on CC if you search for it.</p>
<p>If they have a large EFC, you are in a very tough situation because you will not be able to attend a school that is as good as your academic profile would allow you to get into. The Ivy League and the NESCAC do not offer merit aid, nor do most other top schools. You will have to go down the ladder to places that will give you merit money because you have stats in the top 10-20% of the admitted class.</p>