<p>I've lived in an affluent suburb all my life, but my family has always been low-income. In the last 3 years (I'm a senior) my family's total income has averaged about 15,000 dollars. Yeah. Had to live with a relative for 7 months, then got a smaaallll house, and got lots of help from relatives. My parents also have huge outstanding medical bills, etc. I've not had medical insurance for much of my life, and I've had transportation problems, lack of discretionary funds, etc. for forever.</p>
<p>My GPA is 4.38 weighted 10-11, I'm an editor for the paper, was in band for 3 years, 2160 SAT... so, basically, all my stats are borderline for very competitive universities (not Ivy League, obv.). Most of my Bs happened during times of financial and familial problems (parents got separated and a lot of nasty stuff)... I developed depression and anxiety and was constantly worried about having to move to another house again. Etc. Etc.</p>
<p>It hurts so much to know that QB might very well have been my "in" to competitive schools like UPenn, UChicago, Northwestern (probably my top choices), and I just screwed up and missed the deadline (I got an extension, but I missed that, too). I didn't understand how beneficial the program could be until riiighhhtt before it was due. I tried to pull everything together, and I got everything but the essays. But it was the worst week of my life - I was working, I had a deadline for the paper. I just couldn't do it. It could have been especially beneficial for me because I think I was the ONLY person applying with it from my school, since I go to one of the best public schools in CA in, like a said, a very wealthy area. My school and counselor never really advertised how beneficial it was - I got a pamphlet junior year, and that was it.</p>
<p>So, anyway, woe is me. But my question is - is there any way I can express the financial disparities that have existed between my peers and me throughout high school and everything I've experienced in need-blind admissions? I haven't done my Common App essays yet... do you think I should cover it in them? The "additional details" section? Is there any other way?</p>