<p>I am currently a senior in high school with a 3.2 GPA. My dream is to go to a very good school (Columbia, Brown, Duke are at the top of my list). But, the problem is, I know that my GPA is not very high. During my freshman year earned a 4.2 GPA and things were looking very good. But, during my sophomore year my life fell apart. My mother (who has always worked two full time jobs as an RN) was never home and my fathers business had to be closed down because of economic hardship- so, we are in an extreme economic rut. But, during my sophomore and junior years my grade PLUMMTED.
Because my parents are Never home, I am the primary caregiver for my three little sisters (I am 17 years old). We are fortunate if we see both our parents for more than 30 minutes a day. In addition to having to care for my little sisters, I suffer from depression because for the past five years my father has been beating and abusing (physically and verbally) me on a constant basis. But, through all of this I was able to maintain a steady hold on my sisters situations. I feel as though I am weak and I should have maintained better grades- but, with my parents splintering marriage, carrying my family on my back, and the beating- I was living in hell. But, over the summer I told my mother about my suicidal thoughts and I have been getting help and I am taking 5 AP courses and 2 honors courses and I have all As and a B in AP Calculus. I am also taking multiple courses online in order to boost my GPA. 2250 SAT. 33 ACT. Do I have a chance at those schools at all? My teachers and counselors know that I am very intelligent and are excited about writing strong recommendations. Do I have hope?</p>
<p>I would say that you have a good shot. Just write about how you’ve struggled in your application essay. You should definitely apply.</p>
<p>Probably not at the schools that you listed, no, because of your GPA. It’s worth a shot, I guess, but (and I could be wrong) I don’t think it’s likely you’d get in. However, there are PLENTY of good schools outside the top 25 of US News Rankings were you can be happy and do perfectly well. I suggest you do some research into those lesser-known schools, and CC is a great place to start! In the meantime, be proud of yourself for getting through those tough times!</p>
<p>Screw that, I think you’ve got better chances than I do and I have a 4.0 GPA with similar test scores.
Your freshman year grades show you’re obviously capable of doing well.</p>
<p>And to do decently in school while having to go through all of that is impressive.
Apply, good luck!!!</p>
<p>Things happen, kids have crummy lives, but they do not get into colleges where their stats can’t fly. Someone like you is a strong transfer candidate after overcoming the family problems and producing good work for a couple of years to go along with the strong scores.</p>
<p>With a story like yours, if I was an adcom I would be asking why Dad isn’t in jail, or at least some kind of evidence that the abuse was reported.</p>