I am confident that I can get into Michigan State and maybe even University of Michigan but I'll need help to cover just the dorm expenses. No my dad is a pretty stingy guy who believes that since his dad worked in the shop for GM his whole life, and he did, that I should too. He doesn't believe that I should even be going to school. He never did and his did dropped out of high school. He believes that higher education is pointless. The thing is, I'm a 4.0 student who's highly motivated and out of work because of back issues. I'd give SO MUCH to go to either of these schools.

Anyway, he's not a very reasonable guy (anger issues big time if you don't let him control everything) and even bringing up helping gets him really angry. However, after some sincere discussion he amazingly said he might help me out.

I'm going crazy because of the uncertainty, but just in case he doesn't help me, what are some other ways I can get the money I need? I know a lot of people believe that I should just go to another school which is cheaper, but if I can get into one of the best schools in the US I do NOT want to waste that opportunity. What are some realistic alternatives to getting the money I need? I know scholarships are out there, but I feel like a lot of the websites online aren't quite legit.

Mmore info: I'm a university sophomore majoring in behavioral neuroscience