Roxy,
Sorry. I've been busy. Just for the record..I'm not a dental student. I know alot about SIU because I've done my homework on the school and live about 25-30 miles from it. Obviously, if the time comes for me to apply to dental school, SIU will be on my list. As far as I know, Cairo is about as far South in Illinois as you can go! Or am I thinking of Metropolis? You wouldn't happen to live near Paducah by any chance? I have relatives there. Anyway, because you pay property taxes in Illinois, that helps...alot! I mean, it's a state-funded school, so if you give money to the state, you'll be in better shape. It's hard to tell how they'll rule on your condition because, after all, you live in Kentucky. SIU is a hard school to get into even for Illinois residents. I know (for medical school at least) that folks from Chicago have a hard time getting in. The school really strives to admit folks who live here and want to practice here someday. Moving in with your dad isn't a bad idea, as long as you're ok with it. But, then I ask you, do you think you'll be better off by moving around? Remember, Illinois only has 2 dental school now. Is it REALLY worth the move? I mean, you can apply to both Illinois schools as well as a ton of private schools. But, you could apply to the same private schools as a Kentucky resident. It's something to think about. If you have anymore questions, I'll be glad to try to answer them for you!
Good luck