So basically I have done very terribly during high school and the following two years afterwards. I had a descending 3.1-2.8 GPA in high school and did not do anything extra. (Although I did get nominated ‘Most Changed’ in yearbook after losing 150 pounds). After high school I struggled a lot and went to community college for five semesters, and only got 28 credits with a 2.4 GPA (I dropped out twice, and took some repeats). I ended up transferring to State college two and a half years after high school but dropped out the first semester there too. I got a 28 on the ACT but am planning on retaking it because I was very high. The only reason I think they may overlook this is because I have a long backstory to describe why I struggled a lot as an adolescent. I had a lot of family issues and was sent to a rehabilitation facility at the age of twelve ( I didn’t do drugs), also in high school I had no parental involvement and lived with a drunk belligerent male role model. After high school I worked and lived in an apartment on my own and was struggling with cystic acne, depression, and chronic injury. Also I am involved in alot of strong ECS now, (Wrestling, Jiu Jutsu, Filipino Martial Arts, and Boxing which is off campus. I also am involved with two religious organizations, the Republican and Democrat organizations of my college, and i mentor at the boys and girls club. I also go to Chess club and a few other things once in a while but nothing huge). My diet also consists entirely of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and fish, which I I think might score me some points ( in the extra section I was going to talk about my discipline, diet, waking up at 5:30 ,reading, etc). Also I am going for History and Political Science, and I actually spend time every day writing notes on different historical stuff, for example right now I am going through the Federalist Papers because I recently saw Hamilton. Anyways the reason I want to go to Yale so bad is because i have an aunt who teaches there and It would be cool to live with my family and study there. I want to go to Law school there as well so It would be nice to just start there early. If not I am looking at Columbia or Washington University instead. (by the way my career goal is to be a politician)
I’ll be brutal: the answer is no. You have a 2.4 GPA and a low ACT. You simply do not have, academically, what it takes to get into Yale, Columbia or Washington University. These are three elite, highly competitive universities that are so selective, they routinely turn away 4.0 students with stellar test scores.
Yale is tough for even those with outstanding academic credentials, but, since Yale is your preferred school & you have a unique backstory of hardship & of overcoming hardship, I encourage you to apply to Yale so that you have no regrets.
Plan to apply to anywhere from 12 to 20 colleges & universities. Create a list of schools which includes both admission safeties & financial safeties. You can, and most likely will, succeed with a degree from any accredited college or university because you are tough (both mentally & physically) & determined.
@katliamom My current GPA is 4.0 and I can easily retake the ACT and get a 32-35. Like I said I was very high when I took it.
you are right plus it might be better to just focus on making sure they will let me into their Law School, since I will have more time to prepare for that
Despite what the others say, I think you still have a shot. If you can show that you’re a different person now vs high school, then I think the admissions people might like your story.
Take a look at the Eli Whitney program at Yale. It is a specific program for students who have interrupted their education.
Also, if you are Hispanic or African American, then WashUStL has some great scholarships that require a separate application essay.
I am African American, and i completely understand where they are coming from as it does seem unreasonable when everything is considered. The only reason I think that Yale would still be possible for me in spite of everything is because my aunt is a very prestigious Law professor there, so I would think that as long as I am qualified, have compelling reasons for transfer, have strong essays describing my purpose for the path that I followed, etc, it just made a lot of sense to me. Actually the reason I made this post was to have a coming down to earth moment and help me realize that I might be over-believing in my situation.
I missed the part about your current 4.0 – sorry. Retake the ACTs, apply & keep your fingers crossed. You have nothing to lose 
Do check out the Eli Whitney program (thanks for the suggestion @sgopal2). But as Publisher advises, also apply to schools that are more within the “match” and “safety” categories. And best of luck to you. The one great thing about America’s higher education system is that it is forgiving. If you’re committed, you will get a good education at a good school – somewhere!
Thanks for the advice guys. I realize now there is no point in stretching myself to do things just because I think It may help me get into a college that would otherwise be out of my league, and that I should just focus on thriving in the things that matter to me =) I know you guys won’t take me seriously after I say this, but if you ever see a celebrity rapper/martial artist running for office in Illinois, you know who it is. Also I am currently working on book called “A Modern American Revolution: A guide to social, economic, and spiritual liberation” so check that out too once it hits the shelves.
Also take a look at other programs designed for non-traditional students:
Columbia University School of General Studies
University of Pennsylvania College of Liberal and Professional Studies