Originally Posted by Desperate Dreamer

I'm going to be a senior this year. Probably graduating around 3rd or 4th in my class. 4.52 GPA. 2000 on my SAT super scored. Lots of involvement in the community, National Honors Society, Graphic Design Google recognition, in the school's jazz ensemble, trilingual, math competitions, Honors and AP Classes, starter of a Debate team, 4 years of soccer, working even up to 30 hours a week at the point when I worked the most... Summarizing, I am comfortable to say I think I will get into most colleges I apply for, with the exception maybe of Ivy Leagues. I'm applying to all private schools, in-state, so that I can commute, for room and boarding is another 12 thousand a year that I will not have.

How do merit-scholarships work? Do you think I'd have a chance at something close to a full scholarship or are those for really extremely exceptional people? The counselors at my school don't really care, and have denied any help to a friend in a similar situation. I know many of you did get into college. How was the process? What should I put in the application? Should I wait to talk to colleges about the situation after they've seen my application and know who I am beyond status? Should I just talk to them now? My parents, like most of yours did I believe, know little, if anything at all about the college process. I'm sure anything you guys can tell me about this whole thing will help me, and beyond, since I want to share it with my friends who are going through similar struggles.

Another question many people fail to answer me. What happens if I don't go to college waiting for the Dream Act to pass, for a semester or two? Would that destroy my chances at good merit-scholarships?

Thank you very much,
God bless you all, my fellow dreamers..