Very little ECs b/c of family, am I done for?

<p>Ok thanks for the input everyone. Now I have one more question. Several of you mentioned that I should make my situation the topic of my essay however I was thinking of something else. I was thinking of compiling an essay talking about how my parents were immigrants and gave up a lot in order for me to have a better life/education by coming to the U.S. and how that, combined with my life changing experience of how I almost died in a car accident [the car flipped over twice] and miraculously, I was came out completely unscathed, has led me to want to pursue a career in either politics so that I could be able to try to give back since I got a second chance to live or international affairs to put my language skills to good use and help promote reform world wide, possibly as a diplomat.</p>

<p>So which do you think I should write about, that or my experience at home? I'm not sure I would be able to come up with a good essay on how babysitting has affected me. It has made me more responsible and made me mature quicker than my peers, but that's about it really. And is my idea any good?</p>

<p>Ok thanks for the input everyone. Now I have one more question. Several of you mentioned that I should make my situation the topic of my essay however I was thinking of something else. I was thinking of compiling an essay talking about how my parents were immigrants and gave up a lot in order for me to have a better life/education by coming to the U.S. and how that, combined with my life changing experience of how I almost died in a car accident [the car flipped over twice] and miraculously, I was came out completely unscathed, has led me to want to pursue a career in either politics so that I could be able to try to give back since I got a second chance to live or international affairs to put my language skills to good use and help promote reform world wide, possibly as a diplomat.</p>

<p>So which do you think I should write about, that or my experience at home? I'm not sure I would be able to come up with a good essay on how babysitting has affected me. It has made me more responsible and made me mature quicker than my peers, but that's about it really. And is my idea any good?</p>

<p>There was actually a piece in the Boston Globe recently noting that adcoms do understand that not everyone piles up ECs - and that things like just plain jobs and helping a family have a lot of value. Taking care of your siblings demonstrates a lot of fine qualities so don't be shy about it.
That being said, you need to look into schools in more detail (well, duh - you have plenty of time to do that). Don't apply to Stanford or MIT, for example, unless you are pretty well set on science/math/engineering. And, if you are looking at NYU, you should consider Boston University as well. Don't fall for the trap of just applying blindly to the Ivies because they are 'the best'. Apply to the schools that suit you.</p>

<p>Don't get caught up in the name game, please! There are many really wonderful schools out that that aren't as well known as the Ivies, but which are as good or better in terms of the undergraduate experience. Look at St. Olafs - most folks have never heard of it. But their music and math programs are quite amazing - and you'll be more likely to go on to an advanced degree from there than from many 'brand name' schools. If you are interested in international relations, look at the Franklin College of Switzerland - it rarely makes the news, but it is another amazing place to go. (It is an American college, but located in Switzerland.)</p>

<p>Thanks for the suggestions nemom, I'll definitely look into those schools, especially that one in Switzerland! And Boston University is actually one of my top choices right after Cornell!</p>