<p>I think your credentials are good, but EDis definitely the way for you to go. Documenting a non-supporting non-custodial parent is very difficult, however, and I would begin working on it now. Since you have a GC whom you have known for a very long time and who is familiar with the situation, I would ask her to start by calling your representative in the admissions office. That person will refer her to someone in the financial aid office, but it will give the admissions office a hint of your existence. Be prepared with other applications, just in case the Columbia financial aid is not sufficient or if it is not resolved by the time other applications would be due (I have seen this happen, and the student then has to scramble to get in other applications.) I would not advise you to take the SAT again--I believe your chances of going down are at least as high as those of going up, and the committee LOVES people who are satisfied with one sitting. (I was a college counselor in a high powered private school for years, and this is exactly the advice I would have given my students, and carried out on their behalf).</p>
<p>P.S. I think your job demonstrates plenty of commitment.</p>
<p>You'll get in. Make sure to relate the story only because it's fantastic(al), not out of any desire to get sympathy.</p>