<p>Hi, I'm a homeless high school senior. I've been homeless for the past few years, actually. I've always wanted to go to a top tier school, but with all of the things going on in my life, I've got a pretty low GPA and almost no extracurriculars. I'm taking a year off before college to save some money, and since I'm looking to apply later this year, I wanted an outsiders perspective.
Will top schools be okay with a kid with an unweighted 3.2, weighted 3.5?
PS. I'm going to be the first in my family to graduate from high school.</p>
<p>Wow, your story is very inspiring. The hardships you have overcome and the fact that you are the first of your family to receive a high school diploma will look VERY good on a college application. </p>
<p>Normally, with a 3.2 unweighted GPA, there would be simply no way to get into a selective school; but considering your story, the admissions officers might be understanding and truly inspired by your perserverance. Top schools have admitted applicants with your GPA as long as there are certain outstanding situations. (And I do think yours qualifies as such.) </p>
<p>It’s hard to say whether you actually have a good chance of being admitted to an elite school, on account of their competitiveness. But, if I were dean of admissions for a prestigious university, I would be proud to accept you. Just don’t give up hope. You’ve come so far already.</p>
<p>I can’t add any insight to your acceptance chances, just wanted to say that your dedication and perseverance are truly inspiring. I don’t think it matters whether a “top school” admits you or whether you graduate from a state/local school, you have proven that you have what it takes to succeed. </p>
<p>Are you interested in any particular major? Maybe some of us can help suggest schools based on your interests?</p>
<p>Make sure you let the colleges know your story! Good luck!</p>
<p>Hey guys, wouldn’t it be cool if we used this College Confidential thread to launch some sort of fundraiser to help twinkleyell pay for college? I’m serious about this.</p>
<p>twinkleyell, Send an email describing your situation to questbridge.org and possefoundation.org Both groups mentor kids with challenges like yours. You should also talk to your guidance counselor to see if there are any local organizations that will help with your applications. Best of luck!</p>
<p>One reads about this case or the other where some homeless student gets into Harvard. Be aware that such things are rare which is why a movie was made about that situation and that it was considered big news. It’s man bites dog. Doesn’t happen often.</p>
<p>You most likely will need an adult who knows the system, through your school or an organization to help you through this process in order to get the best results. Neurotic parent has put it in a nutshell. One does the best when someone else describes your situation in the starkets terms, not you. </p>
<p>Also bear in mind that as a rule, the top schools accept those who overcome major challenges; they do not tend to give them leeway as much as add this to the accomplishments. It’s not as though there is a special pool of hardship applicants that are so hooked. </p>
<p>I wish you luck, and I hope you find some one or an organization to get you started. You do need to take SATs or ACTs, and should ask if there are any funds available anywhere for some sort of prep class for you. If not, go to your public library and start taking practice tests and start self studying.</p>
<p>The important factors to a selective college are how well the student is prepared fro the course of study at that school. It does no one any good to admit a student who can’t handle the workload. So your courses have to be such that they cover an advanced highs school college prep curiculum. Also you need to have SATs or ACTs of a certain range. Teachers/counselor recs are imporant in your case. Extracurricular activities would not be expected. Get working on essays that will let the college know who you are, what your experiences have been, what you want to do. </p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>