Are my ECs too weak?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Well I was previously participating in a few clubs, however I recently had to give them all up and take up extra hours at my workplace since my family is going through horrible financial issues again. My main passions are studying languages and physics. I am currently a rising junior (or a sophomore) and I take all honors/AP courses and I am doing well in them. I have had a MAJOR turn around from freshman year during which my family was going through major issues as well. </p>

<p>For the summer, I plan to borrow textbooks, study my languages, conduct research for a physics paper, and study for the SATs. I am aware that I will barely have time for any extracurriculars, but I will try my absolute best to attend meetings for the German club, French club, Spanish club, and the culture club. Getting this job and having to sacrifice so much for it has shined some light on my passions and allowed me to hone in on what I would like to focus on. I may do the USAPHO since I am quite good in physics. </p>

<p>My question is, if I continue to earn virtually straight A+'s for junior and senior year, continue to learn about physics and do research, continue to study multiple languages on my own, earn an SAT of 2250+ , and demonstrate my passion for language and culture by joining those clubs, do I have even the slightest chance of getting into a college? I am very worried because this is not the first time my financial difficulties have gotten in the way. I was always that kid who wore the holed clothing or never got to go on that field trip. I am afraid colleges will just look at me as some pathetic, puny kid who is looking for a handout (gotta admit that I am though). My job is just extremely important and caring for my family is what I must do. Anyone have any other advice? </p>

2

<p>Keep doing what your doing. If a college doesn’t want to recognize you then that’s their fault. I don’t have a link or anything, but there was this homeless girl a few years ago who got into Harvard. Understandably her accomplishments weren’t that great but in light of her circumstances they were exceptional. What you’re doing is demonstrating exceptional character and as long as you continue to work hard I think you have great chances at top notch schools. Any schools in particular? And what exactly is your gpa? </p>

3

<p>And most colleges especially elite ones will not discriminate based on familial finances.</p>

4

<p>Well I was thinking of Rutgers. My GPA from freshman year ended up being a 3.6 (W) so it is not good. But I have really tried to redeem myself. @theanaconda Thank you for your kind words as well! People like yourself ease the process!! :slight_smile: YOU keep doing what you’re doing. </p>