i agree with the above comments. call the schools you are looking at (it helps to get your name in there early anyways) and ask your questions. sign up for some college fairs and talk to people. you can also ask to speak with the heads of departments and discuss your background with them. if the situation is out of your control and you put through the effort, they will think highly enough to want you there.
you can also demonstrate your abilities in other ways like independent studies and summer school.
