<p>I would contact Questbridge and see if they can help.</p>
<p>[QuestBridge</a> Home](<a href=“http://www.questbridge.org/]QuestBridge”>http://www.questbridge.org/)</p>
<p>OP, are you a sophomore or junior? Or a Senior?
If you’re soph/junior, AlbionGirl is right, look into Questbridge.</p>
<p>Yeah I’m a junior.
And yes I have 4-5 colleges I want to go to besides Cornell but I really want to go to Cornell…</p>
<p>You need to write out your situation, and give it to your guidance counselor so s/he can incorporate the information in her recommendation and comments for you. those carry heavy weight with the selective colleges. Yes, they can make a difference.</p>
<p>Still, they are no sure thing. Selective schools are selective because they turn most people down. So the chances are still not on your side. Also for financial aid, you will need to fill FAFSA and PROFILE to get aid, and both parents’ info will have to be included in there, most likely. You might want to take a look at those forms and see where you stand in terms of need. Yes, they will likely want verification of your parent’s financial situation, particularly your father’s. They don’t take people’s word for these things. </p>
<p>You should look into Questbridge, yes.</p>
<p>I see, well my school just got a new counselor due to the school district budget issue so I don’t know her at all…even though she’s nice. </p>
<p>Well how can I prove my father’s financial situation? He’s in another country.
My mom can show her tax reports or whatever they are called, on there she earns less than 20k a year…</p>
<p>Start looking at the financial aid forms and finding out what is needed Look at the financial aid forum here. it’s strictly business when it comes fo fin aid, I’m going to tell you and yes, it’s a tough go getting things proven from another country, unusual circumstances, etc.</p>
<p>Oh…well, if I write that in my essay, will it still help my chances with college? Or do I need to send the proof along with my essay?</p>
<p>The proof comes with the financial aid forms. Your essay should be about you. (Check out the website 'essay hell" for practical advice).
Develop a relationship with your counselor and apply to Questbridge (it’s a program to help low-income students get into top schools).</p>
<p>Alright, I’ll try the Questbridge thing soon.
So I got another question. Since I’m applying ED for Cornell, they don’t take SAT Is in November. So I have to take my 3rd time SAT test in October. But then I can’t take Math lvl 2 in October, instead I have to do it in May/June. But in May I have to take SAT II Bio, AP Bio and AP Chinese. I’ve decided to take the January SAT, March SAT and then the October SAT, and take Math lvl 2 in June…
But then I’ll have to start studying for SAT ASAP.
So is this a good schedule?</p>
<p>“The Questbridge thing” is the most prestigious program for low income students to get into top colleges. It’s very selective so look into it sooner rather than later.</p>
<p>Plan to reach your target score junior year, in two sittings only, or to take the ACT in February, April, and September, which clears your schedule for the other tests. (Colleges don’t care about which test you take).</p>
<p>Yea I signed up for the mailing program, it says it’ll message me in February to join…
And I’m just taking SATs.</p>
<p>Taking the ACT would allow you to get around the date problem you mentioned (since you could take both the subject tests and the ACT in the Spring and Fall) not to mention many universities consider ACT= SAT+ SAT Subjects. Finally, you would get 4 extra waivers for college application fees right there. 
Don’t discard it without thinking it through even if you only intend on taking the SATs.
Good for you, signing for the QB program, good luck.</p>
<p>ThePariah, are you a NY State resident? If you are check out EOP (for the Cornell contract schools) and HEOP for the rest.
[NYS</a> Opportunity Programs (EOP/HEOP)](<a href=“http://www.oadi.cornell.edu/heop/]NYS”>EOP & HEOP | Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives)</p>
<p>Well I used to live in NY for a year, but not anymore.</p>
<p>By the way, I know that many colleges such as Stanford look for passionate students that work for things rather than students who just work for the grades. How can I show that? My ECs aren’t that strong and I didn’t win any awards in High School, however my family situation and my passion to succeed for my parents sake and my sake cannot be expressed far enough, but how would colleges know that?</p>
<p>I’m a bit confused, when do I actually apply for QuestBridge if I’m going to college starting 2015-2016? It says I need a transcript and avail. test scores, but I need to finish 11th grade first right? The website says the next application progress is in August 2014.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Through your essay ofc.</p>
<p><strong>Edit</strong></p>
<p>Have you signed up for SAT yet?</p>
<p>You SHOULD HAVE started studying for SAT by now, and taken one to see where you are at.</p>
<p>Okay, I see, through the essays, but I guess I need to send them proof too.</p>
<p>Not yet but I’m signing up for the Jan 25 one soon. My books are coming in a few days and I already took the PSAT practice test that I gotten before I took the PSAT. I haven’t graded it myself yet, but it seems like I struggle almost all in CR section, a couple questions in math and a few questions in Writing. It’s mostly time.</p>
<p>I know my principal very well, can she write a college recommendation for me for QB or common app and count as a teacher?</p>
<p>No, your principal’s recommendation would count as an 'extra" recommendation, which you’re allowed to have.</p>