<p>I think the indirect “should I worry or not” approach may not be sufficient, especially if you are the oldest child and your parents haven’t been through this since they went to school. I actually would avoid the “car discussion” in this case. If your parents haven’t actually done the calculation, you may get a brush off and have trouble bringing it up again. Here is a suggestion: get some college books (something like Fiske is a great resource) from the library and sit down at the kitchen counter or table with them while your parents are around. Start making a list (or spreadsheet!) of colleges that look interesting and where your test scores seem like a match, and draw your parents into a conversation of what kind of college they could see you at. Then you have a good opening to bring up finances as one of the criteria. And then you can throw in the, “Wow, look at the cost of Dartmouth!” sort of comment.</p>
<p>Also, lots of parents have rose colored glasses about how much financial or merit aid you may get. And they can use that to try to avoid calculating/telling you how much money there is… I wouldn’t disagree with them right away if you don’t think they are being realistic (save that for a later conversation ;)). But ask for an estimate of how much per year they can provide. Hopefully they will see this attention to school selection and finances as a sign of responsible behavior on your part, and give you the info you need.</p>
<p>There isn’t much sadder than parents who tell their kids just to get into the best school they can and that the parents will “figure it out”, then figuring out AFTER the acceptance that the kid won’t be able to go to their dream school. It happened to a kid I know just his year whose dad went to Notre Dame; the kid got in, too, and his dad had to tell him they couldn’t afford to send him.</p>
<p>If your parents REALLY won’t tell you… make sure you apply to some less expensive schools, and some where you are high in the score range and that give good merit aid. And apply to some reach schools, too, of course 
Just in case they really can pay. Who knows, maybe there was some inheritance or settlement money or something in the past that you don’t know about.</p>