You have to prepare yourself for the worst case. If you don't apply for the college and if you, just in case, don't get through this freaking lottery, then you will be finished.  Apply for H1B and change of status on April 2009 and at the same time, college for spring or summer session. If possible go for multiple filing and you will be win-win situation. Once you get the H1B, you can stay with H1B with automatic extension of OPT till october.  GUUD LOCK.