<p>um, here's the case:
I live in an extremely affluent area of New York, however, this "extremely affluent area" has an area where the "ghettos" are located. And that's where I live. Unfortunately. Given the situation I live in, I usually didn't feel inclined to do my homeworks and such. And so my transcript has its fair shares of Bs and two Cs. My SAT scores however, I know will be in the ~2200 (or maybe higher) and my SAT II scores will be/are in the 750s.
I'm extremely lacking in the EC department.
How will Colleges know that I'm poor if my zip code isn't of any help?
Do I still have any chance at a school like Harvard?</p>
<p>A lot will depend on what your teachers and counselors have to say about you. If a bad attitude shows at school and you haven't been a positive member of the community, Harvard is unlikely. They have their pick of very top URMs. However your test scores show how capable you are, so if you get good support from your school, you could have a good chance.</p>
<p>To explain that you are from a poor part of a rich area, all you have to do is look at what school you go to... I'm from DC, and most of the rich people sent their kids to private schools, leaving most of the poorer kids at the public schools. One of my benefits of applying to college was that I went to a public school, rather than a private school, even though I was from a affluent area. I'm not sure if its the same with were you are from, but that sounds like the best idea.</p>
<p>"Unfortunately. Given the situation I live in, I usually didn't feel inclined to do my homeworks and such. "</p>
<p>Colleges, including places like Harvard, want students who can rise above the kind of circumstances that you describe: Students who'll academically achieve up to their potential despite being surrounded by peers who aren't interested in academic achievement.</p>
<p>Northstarmom is right. Harvard is going to want to see someone who was able to rise above their situation. While I am sympathetic to your situation, colleges probably won't take it into consideration unless a teacher or guidence consler really really pull through for you. College admissions are blind, meaning they don't know your finaincial status when they make an admissions decision. To be honest, your GPA is not terrible. There is still a chance for you at a good school. You don't stand a chance at HYPS, but maybe top 20 or below school. Also, some Liberal Arts Colleges (LAC) might be a good fit.</p>