<p>nvm 10 characters</p>
<p>I think you have a great shot if you keep it up. I mean, you probably won't get into ivies NOW, but you can probably get into a state college, atleast if you get some EC's down and keep your grades up. Who knows, you might be able to transfer after. Spending a year or two in a regular college with more opportunities to get involved might show to the top colleges that you do have the willingness and potential, just not the opportunities.</p>
<p>I was actually looking into that, until I found out that transfering is almost impossible.</p>
<p>I think you still have a slim chance, but you're not the only one writing about family hardships cause there will be A LOT of these essays. Make sure yours is unique if thats even possible anymore.</p>
<p>You deserve a good shot at those colleges.</p>
<p>You also know exactly why you deserve it.</p>
<p>Tell them. Get a good essay to every school explaining, in a single coherant story, the obstacles you faced and how you worked to overcome them.</p>
<p>for a uniqueness, i must say, that my mother, at the age of 46, is attending a community college, trying to get a career to elevate her family.
Another thing might make this <em>unique</em> would be that I was born here, then at the beginning of 3rd grade, I had to move to the Dominican Republic, (my mother's visa expired, and she wasn't gonna stay here illegally) I thought i was going for a 'vacation', and it turned out that i did from 3rd grade to 6th grade there. It was an experience, I'd say, at the beginning, to learn spanish (how to read and write), also, the whole thing of being considered "american" and blahhh</p>
<p>do you HAVE to go to an Ivy? there are a lot of other good schools out there that offer financial aid too.</p>
<p>No, I don't HAVE to go to an Ivy, and even though some schools do have good financial aid, it is not full-ride, and those that do offer full-ride are mostly for merit, not need.</p>
<p>Listen iwant2go2college, I wouldn't be discouraged from some of these responses. Not everyone who is applying to top schools is in your position. Hell, not even 15% of the applicants are in your position. Why? Because a lot of people who live in the ghettos and are under-represented minorities quit because of the stress their families give them. They just QUIT. At least you still tried!</p>
<p>I think you can show colleges that you can provide diversity, especially because you studied 'abroad', you are fluent in 2 languages, both of your parents didn't go to college, you are poor, and you still managed to take some challenging courses, and are a part of ECs. I mean, if your sat scores and GPA are decent, you really might have an edge, just don't ruin it. Ruining it how? By whining, or by writing a crappy essay . . . sit down and think of exactly how you want to tell them your situation, and how it made you a better person, how you can influence others positively with your situation, etc. You had to go thru much more than the rich white kid who had his daddy pay for sat prep courses.</p>
<p>I agree with Tetragrammaton, you should definately apply to the colleges, since you do seem to deserve it just as much as anyone. Don't be discouraged to try the Ivies too, its worth a shot, applying and trying is better then not applying and regretting it later.</p>
<p>sybbie-i completely disagree..it alldepends on how the essay is written....just like MIke said you have to write it as if your telling as story hwere the heroine (yourself) overcomes a tough situation and how it taught you something valuable..it doesn't mean u have to sound like your whining.....iwant2go2college..if you really want to go..i mean really want to..it sounds like your already working yoru ass offf...keep o that and you will get in...sometimes it just takes a little extra elbow grease</p>
<p>Iwant2go2college</p>
<p>I Understand What You Are Going Through - Don't Listen To All Those Pessimists. Write An Essay Explaining Your Situation And In Detail Talk About How You Were Able To Change...etc -</p>
<p>If Were You I Would Write The Essay And I Would Apply. I Mean You Have Nothing To Lose. But Ec Is Quite Important</p>
<p>I think I'm probably rehashing something that's already been said, but when you write your essay, write about how you still manage to try and succeed despite your situation.</p>
<p>You've got a great shot at the Ivies, but there are also many other great places who will be willing accept you and give you money.</p>
<p>Off topic:
Tetragrammaton from equilibrium? i love that movie!!</p>
<p>The facts (and resulting essay) as presented in this thread aren't particularly unique or compelling. And, I fear that after reading a number of essays on the same or similar topic, yours might sound whinning - - even if that is not your intent.</p>
<p>iwant2go- I sent you a pm.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info everyone! :D</p>
<p>noise really isn't a good excuse.</p>
<p>geez some people can be relaly mean on this forum..</p>
<p>I agree with whoever said not to be discouraged by some of the replies on this post ... I think you're doing a great job if you are keeping your grades up .. </p>
<p>I remember one of my volunteer buddies who lived downtown showed me one of her essay that talked about her situation (ghettos, shootings, drugs scary stuff) .. </p>
<p>granted she had good SAT scores which I think really helped .. and she was a decent singer .. but I think the essay really conveyed her personality and it didn't sound like she was making excuses for her lack of awards/ECs ... it was like .. "o i went thorugh all this and i triumphed!" .. but more like how it inspired her to really delve into music as an escape and want to succeed ..which i guess can be kinda cliche?</p>
<p>but I didnt know her very well .. but I could see her dedication and maturity .. I thin she got into the honors program at UGA or something .. </p>
<p>I think what really helped her besides the essays and grades were her SAT scores</p>
<p>but seriously .. if you want .. just go for those ivy leagues and dont let anybody on some wesite stop you! =]</p>
<p>B U M P : )</p>
<p>So you can afford a computer and internet right?</p>