<p>I’ve just been reading this and I feel so lucky that I am not in your situation. But then again, you have great opportunities under your fingertips. It is unfortunate such a bright student such as yourself has a control-freak student, who doesn’t even let you reward yourself for your achievements. However this is now your chance to do so and as many others have said before me, I think your best bet would be the full-ride scholarships because that will completely liberate you from your abusive parent. Good luck and you have done yourself a big favor by getting support from the people in this community.</p>