<p>Okay, thanks for the input everyone! 
You’ve all been very helpful. I guess I’ll try to aim for 7 semesters then…</p>
<p>Would it be better for me to spend 1 or 2 years in an in-state school and then transfer to UIUC? If I got in freshman admissions, should I be able to get in as a transfer?</p>
<p>@sumzup 15-20k for an internship…? O.O Hmm I guess those factors do help… I just feel like I’m relying on a lot of ‘ifs’ and ‘maybes’. :(</p>