I’m heading into my senior year of high school with a 4.0 cumulative GPA and a composite score of 32 on my ACT. I have taken the most demanding course load available at my small school and will be valedictorian of my class of 6. I also work seasonally at my park district’s day camp program, do community service, am active in my church, sing in choir, study classical voice and perform, play in band, and play varsity volleyball. I want to apply to BU, NYU, and U of Chicago, but my mother thinks that I’m being unrealistic in thinking that I will be admitted and be able to pay the tuition. My parents are divorced and my mother is remarried. With my mom, step dad, and dad’s incomes all factored in, need-based assistance is basically out the window, even with two older brothers in college and a $50,000/year price tag.

Am I unrealistic in expecting that with a little work I’ll be able to receive enough in grants and scholarships to help me lower the cost to around $15,000/yr? Plus, I would definitely do work-study.