@BDFmom The 33 ACT coupled with at least a 3.5 GPA guarantees her full tuition at UA, no much it increases year to year. All she has to do is apply to UA to get that scholarship. She might qualify for other scholarships that include at least a year of housing. Here's their scholarship page:
http://scholarships.ua.edu/types/
My daughter refused to go anywhere but UA because she wanted to be in the Million Dollar Band her freshman year. UA was a fabulous experience for her. She graduated with a biology major, double minors in psychology and music (flute performance), and Phi Beta Kappa. She was accepted to 4 of the top graduate schools in genetics (UNC Chapel Hill is rated #3 on one big site).
The best advice I can give is that wherever she chooses to go, she get involved in a research lab as quickly as possible. US has a great program called Emerging Scholars that is open to freshmen and sophomores:
http://emergingscholars.ua.edu/future-scholars/frequently-asked-questions/
I don't know where y'all are from, but definitely consider UA. Wonderful programs; beautiful location.
BUT... The main reason for wanting the dinner was to get into fantasmic. The holiday dine is a major plus!!! But, it was for 4 and I need 6 really.. ( could do 4 if we had to) ..also, without the package I thought 545 was a bit late to get in line for fantasmic.
oh and just to add, my name is Candice 
) but starting to hate the culture. 
But as 
Seriously though, the academics are covered but sometimes it's so hard to get them into the right extra-curricular activities so they have a chance to stand out on their applications. She's a junior this year (homeschool) and still doesn't know where she wants to go to school or what she wants to major in (cellular biology is up there, but so are other options like Spanish or math). First we have to get through the PSAT though and see where she scores. I don't think she's interested in the top-tier schools, so that should help her chances.
