Chance Me/Help for Ivy League Undergrad - middle of the road test scores, strong essays

I’d talk to your GC. Convey which school you really want to go to and have the GC intervene-at least make the call. Given the hardship you 've endured with your family, and the fact that you have still been able to do well in school, I bet your GC would be willing to put the school behind an endorsement. Go talk to the GC.