No ECs because of depression

Applying to College
1

<p>I haven't done many extracurricular activities because I've been very depressed about a disability that I have. It drastically affected my social life but I didn't allow it to affect my grades. Although many people with the same condition have struggled in school, I found school to be the only thing that could help feel better about myself. I have a 3.88 UW GPA and I got a 29 in the ACT thanks to a low score on the science test (I expect to get a 33-34 next time I take it). I've taken tons of honors and AP classes. At home, I just sat in my room feeling bad about myself. Recently, I've seen a therapist and joined DECA club.</p>

<p>I know that I can get accepted into most colleges but my family is broke and they can't afford to send me to some top out-of-state public school like Ohio State, Illinois, or Washington that won't look at my ECs. So I'm stuck in Arizona where all you need is 22 on the ACT to get accepted into any of the state schools.</p>

<p>Is there even a remote chance that a school that meets all need will accept me? I'm not talking Harvard or Stanford. More like Notre Dame, Boston College, or USC or some other non-Ivy.</p>

<p>I know that I brought this on myself and although I deeply regret it, it's probably too late to do anything but I just want to know if anyone has gotten into a school that meets all need with just their grades and essays (I'm also a minority so that could slightly help).</p>

<p>BTW, I would be perfectly fine attending a local state school but I don't want to limit my options.</p>

2

<p>Go to the Financial Aid Forum, and read the threads stickied to the top on the subject of merit-based aid. If you can get your ACT score up to at least 30, you will have a number of good options.</p>

<p>You also need to consider how you will deal with your depression once you are in college. When you research the various places, spend some time finding out about the support services that you will need. Even if you are academically qualified to go far from home, and even if you can come up with the money to do so, leaving your current therapist and support system may not be the best thing for you. Keeping your own head on straight is much more important than the name of the college that you ultimately attend.</p>

3

<p>I suspect that EC’s are over rated for most people. Mainly because colleges don’t want to go through the bother of the verification. It’s probably the least important thing. Get your ACT and play the need based lottery, private school game.</p>

<p>Also there’s a lot worse fates than going to UA/ASU honors college, which will probably be very cheap if not free. If that’s all there is then take it and be happy about it. GL</p>

4

<p>you can always explain your situations in your essay, and write a moving essay that helps put things into perspective!</p>

5

<p>Have you looked at QuestBridge?</p>