<p>I’ve dreamed since the 10th grade of doing something like that, but with costs and transportation, it’s never happened.</p>
<p>Fam doesn’t really have the time resources or desire to help me do any of that.</p>
<p>I think you’ve done an amazing job with what you HAVE been able to do, and I think admissions counselors from all sorts of great schools will see that. </p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Wow, you look like a really competitive applicant! Especially with the URM, high test scores, etc. Your extracurriculars show a lot of passion too! Do your letters of rec mention how you went out of your way to take IB classes? I think that would really add to your application, since it shows how you really made the most of your circumstances and your dedication to learning.
With top schools like Yale, I think that luck plays a big role in it, since they have limited spots, but it seems like you have a really high chance. Just make sure to show a lot of passion in your essays and, if you get an interview, talk about how you really made the most of your circumstances. Good luck!</p>
<p>i think you have a great shot! great still not meaning the odds are in your favor but a relatively great shot!</p>
<p>It would seem that many competitive schools are looking for uniqueness. And you have many different unique and good qualities:
African American
Great grades and test scores in a rigorous program
ROTC
Homosexual and/or gay rights
Heavy workload at McDonalds</p>
<p>Not sure if you are also lower-income, but that would also be a bonus.</p>
<p>Someone has to imagine you and want to meet you, and based on the info that you provide, it would seem that an adcom could picture you in their mind’s eye when faced with hundreds or thousands of other applicants.</p>