<p>Have you also looked into private schools? Even though they cost more, some of them have more money available for financial aid than state schools.</p>
<p>If you can get your SAT up above 1400/1600, you might be in line for merit money from Pitt. Unfortunately, state schools aren’t known for good need-based aid for out-of-state students.</p>
<p>I recommend you cast a wide net in applying. Identify maybe eight to 10 schools that you like, a combination of public and private. (You might be able to apply for free with vouchers.) Write eloquently about the challenges you’ve faced, and hope for the best. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to post on the parents’ board. Many of the posters there have a lot of good experience, and they may be able to suggest some strategies that would help you.</p>