I’m going to try to make this as short and understandable as possible.
Background info: I’m a U.S. citizen but completed my high school education in Ukraine. Education wasn’t the priority then, so grades suck and I have never taken the SAT or ACT. Moved back to the states and decided to go back to school. Now I’m a 22 year old finishing up her second year at a community college in Chicago with a 4.0 GPA (fingers crossed). I’m pursuing a degree in accounting and was planning on transferring to a four year this upcoming fall semester. It just crossed my mind that regardless of everything, I want to apply to Stanford, Harvard, and Columbia because why not? Nothing to lose besides time and false hope. I never volunteered or participated in any sort of community or school activities, I work full-time, and I’m poor.
With all of that being said, here are my questions.
- Do I have to take the SAT/ACT? If so, what do I need to be aware of or know? Any other educational differences I might have to tackle on upon applying/going to a university in the states?
- Would any prestigious school even consider me as a candidate? Would people in admissions be understanding of me having to work and not having enough time to volunteer at soup kitchens or churches and rescuing animals?
- Is it possible to work full-time while going to a name brand school?
Please share your experiences if you’ve been in similar circumstances.