So I don’t know where to go to college/university. I’m thinking maybe public schools where they offer several majors/minors. I would like to live somewhere with typically long fall/winter seasons as they are my favorite. I live in a southern humid state and always prefer the colder climate. I’d like to picture myself somewhere where I could walk in the park, study at a cafe, and visit art museums. Something I would like to see a school offer are exchange programs or study abroad programs. I would love to study in Europe, specifically somewhere in the UK, but they don’t have majors/minors like here in the states. Any advice?
What grade are you in HS?
What is your college budget?
What are your Stats? GPA, test scores, HS course rigor? EC’s and areas of interest?
Any specific geographic locations?
What type of college? Public/Private/Small/Medium/Large? Rural/Suburban/Urban?
So are really looking at UK Universities and/or considering schools in the US?
Most colleges have study abroad programs so attending a US college and doing a semester or even a year abroad should not be an issue.
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I am a junior in high school with a 4.0 GPA, am taking 2 AP classes this year and am accelerated in others. I gave not taken the sat/act yet but will early next year. My parents income is low so I would definitely have to apply for scholarships and financial aid. Don’t have anywhere in mind I’d specifically would want to go. Maybe somewhere in the north? Don’t care whether it’s a public/private school though I’d imagine private schools cost more. Looking for a medium/large college in a urban or suburban area. I have looked at schools in the UK but they want you to have in mind what you would like to study in so you go right into that specific area. Unfortunately I do not know.
Budget is crucial so you need to determine how much your family can contribute to your college expenses, then you can start looking at out of state (OOS) schools and target schools that will offer merit for your GPA and test scores.
If you are low income, you might want to consider Questbridge if you qualify? QuestBridge | Scholarship Details
There are schools that you can apply as Undecided and explore major options so I would continue to explore/research areas of interest. What kind of EC’s do you participate in HS? What do you like to do in your spare time?
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There’s a lot of schools that have significant merit aid. Once you have a budget in mind we can help.
If I’m being honest I don’t think my parents would even be able to help contribute to college. I am in the hope club of my school. I haven’t done any EC’s in the past. It’s something I need to work on these last years. In my spare time I don’t do much. I am an introvert who enjoys spending their time alone, mainly because I have no friends. My hobbies are reading, watching movies (big marvel fan), and not much else. So I’m just a student with good grades who could possibly get an average or high score on the sat/act but has no EC’s, which are things colleges really look for. So I don’t really stand a chance do I.
Some colleges have merit for grades & don’t ask about ECs. Check out University of New Mexico and University of Utah. Could get scholarships. May be able to get Utah residency, too.
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University of Arizona would set you back about $16K a year - if you keep your 4.0. Also, Alabama would be cheap, as would UAH, Miss State, and Ole Miss.
You should enhance yourself with a job or with ECs - not because they’ll help you with college but so that you gain some interpersonal skills.
If you don’t have money, Questbridge could be another option. However, the fact that you are not well rounded would hurt.
There are also many schools that will meet all your need so you can look at them - but again, if you’re not well rounded. Note - your folks need to pick a few schools and complete a net price calculator. What you/think they can pay and the schools think can be different.
So pick a couple high level ones - like Vanderbilt, Northwestern, and fill out the net price calculator to see what it says they can afford to pay.
Good luck.
Here’s Every College That Offers 100% Financial Aid (prepscholar.com)
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Do you have a job? (If so, how many hours a week?) If you don’t, just look for one, places are hiring. 
And it’s a strong EC.
Do you help at home with siblings or elderly relatives?
How about creating a Superhero Film club at school?
So you mean you’re low income, so that your parents can’t afford to help?
All QB partners are super selective, so all are a long shot (or out of reach). But if they choose you, they guarantee a 4 year full ride scholarship covering tuition, room&board(=housing&food), books, and even money to get to campus or go home for the holidays. So, at least, worth looking into.
https://www.questbridge.org/college-partners
Practice for the PSAT and the SAT using Khan Academy.
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