<p>Thanks everyone! All of the info and opinions were really helpful. And by the way, my high school is actually a really good school (public but kinda seems like a private), and a place where some people do go to top schools and ivies. So I guess that’s what makes me think it’s possible and something I want to try to do, despite my mom’s skepticalness. As for my qualifications, I haven’t actually taken the SAT, ACT, or any SAT 2’s or AP tests yet (taking basically all of those next month), but I got a 226 on my PSAT and have been in the same range on SAT practice tests. I am near the top of my class and do 2 sports and have been involved in drama and art (I’ve gotten awards for art). There’s some other stuff too but I don’t really feel like I need to be too specific. Basically, I guess my stats are pretty good in general, but also pretty bad compared to some people on this site! And it depends a lot on what happens with all these tests, and with essays and everything. Anyway, I’ve already made up my mind that I’m not really going to judge a school based on how rich people are there- from what I’ve read about some ivies, they have awesome financial aid, and that’s what really matters in my book (in terms of money, of course a lot of other factors matter, too). I also think that people shouldn’t judge schools based on prestige. So, I’ll just apply to a mix of schools that I like and hope for the best. I know it’s super hard to get into those top schools (especially looking at these forums, haha), and I’m not going to kill myself to get there, but I’ll try my best and try to think outside the box and find opportunities, like happykidsmom said. Questbridge sounds great, but I’m not really sure if I am low-income enough for it? Basically, if my parents’ incomes were put together I would not be eligible, but if you only counted my mom’s (who I live with) I definitely would be. My situation is one where money has never been a large hardship, but just a bit of a stress.
So, yeah, thanks!</p>