<prompt> Human: I am currently a Junior in high school. As of recently,I have been pressured into seriously consider my future by my parents. My main concern is how will i pay for college due to my families financial condition. Financial situation:-I would estimate my families annual income at about 30,000-35,000. -Both my parents do some form of manual labor. As my father is an alcoholic, he often wastes a good portion of his money on alcohol and simply further worsens my families financial condition.-I only have about 1000 in savings to pay for college.Academic situation:-If I do attend, I would be the first in my familyhalf Guatemalanhalf Costa Rican. One of the reasons I am concerned is because I have a younger sister who hopefully will attend college. So I need to be careful in how I take care of my finances in anticipation for the expense for her college. -I am a competent student attending a public high school. My average stands at about an A-low 90s.-Im in numerous clubs such DECASecretary,FHABoard member,Key club,robotics,yearbook,e.t.c10 in total While I am trying to be optimistic, I dont think scholarships will be able to help too much-Not involved in any sports but am hoping to do track or baseball.-Im hoping to study Engineering andor Computer Science.-Planning on taking SAT later on in the year.Colleges:Considering colleges like Embry-Riddle, University of Washington,NYU Poly,University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign,e.t.c. I dont know whether I should apply to colleges in or out of state in order to conserve money.Yet, I want to be away in order to get away from my fatherRight now Military enlistment seems like a pretty good route. If I take this route the G.I. bill would be able to cover everything.But I am not comfortable with this due to this for various reasons. I was hoping that somebody could offer some other way,advice, really anything to help with how I should deal with this.Thanks.  <response>: Do NOT give up on scholarships! You are a first gen, minority prospective college student and in your junior year rising junior?. This is a CRITICAL time to look for scholarships. Once you are actually in college you will find that the number of meritneed based scholarships are not nearly as prevalent as they are for the HS student about to enter college.Local libraries will have giant books about scholarships. Guidance counselors can help as well. GradesSAT scores are critical, if you dont know your teachers, start getting to know them as you may need a reference at some point.If the only reason you want to do military is to get school , there is an opportunity and thats busting your arse now in order to be qualified for aid programs.Also if your parents are not familiar with the USA higher ed system, they may not understand that they need to file their taxes regularly and they must provide their tax information for the federal aid application. Start introducing this information gently to them so they understand that providing their tax info doesnt mean they are liable for federal loans. 