Here’s a resource to help get you started researching about how to finance your college education from the Oklahoma Dept of Higher Education
http://www.okhighered.org/students/publications/crb/money-for-college.pdf
You should also speak with your high school counselor since some of the available state scholarships require your high school to nominate you for consideration.
There are a lot people who are willing to help you and give you sound advice in the Financial Aid sub-forum:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/
Try posting your situation there.
I don’t think OU vs OKState will make a huge difference in your ability to gain an admission to medical or other professional school. Minimizing debt is important for pre-meds. Go to the college where you can get the best deal. Even if you need to start out at community college for financial reasons, you can still go to med school.
Yes, that’s exactly how you go about it. You contact individual practitioners and ask if they will allow you to shadow them. Expected to refused. Expect to be refuse A LOT. It’s best to start with practitioners you know and network outwards from there. If you have a primary care provider or if you regularly are treated at a particular clinic, ask them. If they say no, ask if they can suggest someone else who might.
When you get to college, check with the health professions advising office. Some advisors maintain a list of physicians and other healthcare professionals who will allow students to shadow them. Some pre-health profession (pre-med, pre-dent, pre-PA, etc) clubs do too.
Another approach is start volunteering at a healthcare facility–hospital, nursing home, group home. summer camp for disabled children, etc. Once the providers get to know you personally, they are usually much more willing to let you shadow than if you are a complete stranger to them. (Cuts down on the creepy factor.) This is probably the most effective approach.
The AOA maintains a database of osteopathic physicians who are willing to have students shadow them. (Update–the webpage has moved and I can’t find it now.)
Be professional when you approach or call a provider to ask. Be direct but be polite, dress appropriately (i.e. neat & professional), have a prepared resume you can offer them. Include personal character references w/ their contact info on your resume. If you use email, make sure your subject header and text body reads “professional” (maybe have a trusted adult or teacher look over your email first) and be sure to attach your resume to the email. Treat asking to shadow like applying for a job.