<p>mmboys07--"external factors have kept me from succeeding approach?" I don't think anyone is looking for "unsuccessful" applicants! Perhaps you meant to say " succeeded in spite of (fill in the blank with appropriate hardship) approach?" Left coast--I guess that would be us Californians? Or are both coasts Left coasts?</p>
<p>Anyway, from our experience or going through this experience, knowing kids who have been accepted at top schools, reading the stories on these boards, etc., all of the top colleges have plenty of room for smart hardworking kids who have not experienced hardships, and that includes the UC's (large public universities here in California). So if you have one of those kids, not to worry!</p>
<p>Ideological factors--if one of them includes some form of intolerance of other groups of people, than yes, I think that could be a factor in not accepting someone--probably more so at small schools than large ones.</p>