<p>It seemed like you have taken the best advantage of your socioeconomic and educational opportunities. That isn’t going to excuse everything, however, and your SATs are sub-par for prestigious colleges, but it is VERY understandable.</p>
<p>With your Great Recommendations, unique circumstances, I’m sure you can also write a great essay detailing some of your experiences and struggles in your community. These, all coupled together, might very well be the key to an Ivy! Remember that they like diversity, and they sure do want to hear what kind of struggles and obstacles you have overcome, despite your disadvantaged background, to achieve high standards in your area.</p>
<p>Remember, there are going to be similar disadvantaged people like you, who have as good or better test grades or GPA or course load than you. But that is where your essay really shines.</p>
<p>If you aren’t aiming for Ivy League schools, you have a definite chance at some of the other, great, Liberal Arts schools. Selective colleges, however, can be unpredictable and if you are applying for financial aid (I’m assuming), then it is going to put your application under scrutiny. I might even schedule an interview (sort of too late now for some colleges) and show them how hard you have been working.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>