> There are a lot of books about getting ready for college, including some that tell you how to go about choosing the right one. Go to the library and check out one or two -- that's what I did.
>
> What you should do, basically, is decide what you want most in a college, then look at some of the many books that give information on the colleges (there are new editions printed every year, and every bookstore and library should have them). You already have a headstart: you know you want a school strong in chemistry, education, and computer science. Now think about some other things: would you rather have a school in/near New York, or would you rather be far from home (new experiences, but more expense to travel back home)? Would you feel more comfortable in a large school where you'd meet lots of new people, or a smaller school where it would feel more intimate? And so on. Once you decide on your priorities, the college information guides should help you pick some that fit your criteria; write to them for more information. Don't pin all your hopes on one or two schools, though; choose some that you'd really like, as well as some that only fit some of your criteria but that you're certain you could get into.
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> As far as the money situation ... with grades and test scores like yours, I'm willing to bet you'll qualify for both need- and merit-based scholarships just about everywhere.
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> Good luck to you. It's not easy choosing a college, but it's one of the first important decisions you'll ever make.
>
> -- Trip

Trip basically said everything I would say, except that he probably put his sentences together more coherently than I will. (Severe lack of sleep can have interesting effects.) My family had no money, so I know what that is like. When it comes time to applying to colleges, you'll discover that they have application fees that can add up very quickly if you apply to a number of different colleges. What a lot of people don't know, though, is that many schools offer application fee waivers to students who qualify. (I did, so I know the opportunity is out there.)

Another thing I strongly recommend is to visit college campuses. If you have the opportunity, visit as many colleges as possible, even if you are sure that you don't want to attend the school. The more you see, the more you learn about college life. It's important to know what you do NOT want in a college, as well as what you do want.

When you actually visit the colleges, try to go beyond the typical college tour. The tour guides will highlight the best parts of campus because that is their job. If possible, spend an hour wandering around campus without the aid of a tour guide. Another good idea is to contact the school's chemistry department. If you intend to spend a minimum of four years of your life studying chemistry, you'll need to like the program the college has to offer.

I could go on, but I think I'll stop for now and see what advice other people have for you. I am currently in my fourth year of college (thanks to a large scholarship and a couple of grants) and my sister is heading off to college next year, so I definitely understand your concerns. Keep up the good work, and it will pay off.

Ell"Instructions: Pull self up by boot straps"myruh