What exactly can i do to obtain a legal status while i pay for and finish my education after high school?

You are not alone. There are many thousands like yourself. You should look up "Dream Act" on an internet search engine and read about the complexities of your situation. It is very, very important that you do nothing to misrepresent your legal status. Any false claim to U.S. citizenship can permanently bar someone from immigrating lawfully in the future. So be careful and do not misrepresent your status on college or student loan applications, or anywhere else for that matter. We are hopeful that Congress will pass a Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill, but so far it has been stalled behind the health care reform debate. Until that happens, your options may be limited. But you may also consider consulting with an experienced and reputable immigration attorney who can provide you with additional information.