<p>So my high school experience definitely has not gone as planned. In middle school I was ranked #1 and was known as ''that smart girl.'' High school was supposed to be filled with AP, EC's, and great achievements but then everything came tumbling down. Horrible financial situation, parent conflicts, my father had to leave the country leading to more financial troubles and having to miss a lot of school to help my mom watch my siblings, then I was taken away from my mom, moved 6 times at inconvenient times during the school year, lost credits, etc. Now things are a little more stable and I've definitely become more mature and independent but I only have 2 years of HS left with no AP or honors classes. The only EC's I have are piano and guitar(self-taught) and a few volunteer hours(40 maybe?) I really want to go to a good LAC like the Claremont Colleges because of the small class sizes and great financial aid. Do I even have a chance? What are some things I can do this year to improve my chances?(AP's aren't an option for me since i'm a new student) What are some other good, small schools that cover full costs? Thanks everyone in advance:)</p>
<p>All you can do is look forward and perform your best and develop your EC’s so you will have the best available for your profile when you apply. You can’t change the past, you can only effect your next 1-1/2 years until you will be sending apps. You have had turmoil in your life and colleges will understand that, but they will want to see results now that you have a more stable environment. Make yourself as attractive as possible within the resources you have.</p>
<p>If AP’s are not available or you can’t access them it won’t count against you. You are only expected to take the most rigorous schedule available to you. You aren’t expected to take classes not available to you, that would be stupid.</p>
<p>It is really too early to pick colleges. But you can use search feature the boards for colleges that meet full need. Problem is, it is a bit waste of time for right now because you don’t have your Jr. year grades or your SAT, so you won’t have any indication if your stats are in or out of range.</p>
<p>Here is a student from a single parent low income family who did well in college admissions and financial aid / scholarships:
[Elk</a> Grove teen goes 9 for 9 in elite college admissions - Education - The Sacramento Bee](<a href=“http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/30/5457373/elk-grove-teen-goes-9-for-9-in.html]Elk”>http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/30/5457373/elk-grove-teen-goes-9-for-9-in.html)</p>
<p>@brownparent that is great advice thank you so much and the reason I’m looking into colleges right now is so I know their requirements and will be prepared.</p>