Should I bother applying?

<p>Hello, I recently changed my major to computer science and I'm interested in a lot of top schools but I have a low gpa. I'm currently a rising sophomore at a local CC and I had all As and Bs. but one D per semester. It wasn't due to laziness, but constant stress of a low income, single parent family with a alcoholic father with various mental problems.</p>

<p>I'm female, and African American. I have a 23 ACT, but I've been studying for it and the SAT and I'm doing extremely well and I believe I will get high scores.</p>

<p>ECs:
2009 Boys and Girls Club Youth of The Year
Keystone Club for 8 years, two as President. 60+hrs
4-H for 8 years, one as President
Air Force Base Boys and Girls Club Volunteer for 8 years. I tutored, helped with office work, ran the snack bar, helped organize and execute activities ( 100+ hrs)
Band for 6 years in HS, and one in college (I come from a small hs with no other bands)
Jazz Band in College
Occasional volunteer at the day care at the local AFB, a lot was talking to the kids who didn't speak English as I speak Spanish and Japanese
Excellent with learning languages (though not an EC)</p>

<p>I couldn't do a lot as I had to take care of my brothers for years. I wasn't really able to go out and hang with friends until college because of my duties as home for the last 1- years.</p>

<p>I can write a mean essay, and I know I have great potential. I have realized I can no longer let me problems keep me back.</p>

<p>Should I bother with tops schools? I know I can get in the schools here in MS, but not sure about out.</p>

<p>You should make an appt w/your “transfer advisor” at your community college. He/she will guide you on options to 4 yr colleges. A mediocre/poor GPA at comm college and a 23 ACT does not bode well for you to get into selective colleges, to be frank. That’s just the reality of the situation. However, your advisor can discuss w/you many good and affordable options. Good luck to you.</p>

<p>BTW: your ECs really won’t matter besides personal enhancement – your eventual target list o of schools in all likelihood will not take these into account when evaluating you. Your focus solely should be on your academics.</p>