I am currently a junior in high school. I rank 70 out of 565 people and take 3 AP classes and 2 Pre-AP. I have a 96 grade average. I am involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, Mu Alpha Theta, Young Democrats, and Mock Trial. I volunteer at a hosiptal, nursing home, homeless shelter, public library, and tutor 5th graders. Compared to other students in my class I'm not really smart. However, I have a bad situation at home. My mother is a single parent who came from Africa and speaks no English, so I have to rely on myself to do my homework. She works as a housekeeper and earns only $13,000 a year. I have lots of disadavantges financially and emotionally, I am physically abused. How do I should colleges like: Cornell, Columbia, Standford, University of Washington at St.Louis, UCLA, and Berkley that I would have better grades if it weren't for my living suitation and do you think I will be accepeted??
2007-03-28 11:51:00 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Your personal essay is where you usually explain situations like that. Don't sound all whiny of course, just highlight all you've been able to accomplish despite having such a rough life.
2007-03-28 11:56:26 · answer #1 · answered by Linkin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I think that your academic situation is GREAT. You're exactly the kind of person competitive schools are looking for, especially with the extra curriculars. Your best bet to get your financial situation across would be to write your college essay on it. Don't make it too depressing, though, or it could put the admissions people in a bad mood. If you can manage it, interview at as many schools as possible: it really helps them put a name with a face and story. Also, I think there's a spot on the common application for things like that --it usually says something like, "Is there anything else we should know about you?" It's the perfect place to talk about your situation. Good luck!!!
2007-03-28 12:17:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Almost every school you will apply to will ask for a personal statement. I suggest that you write about your struggle through life and why it is so important you achieve a higher educaiton, and the obstacles that you faced that have affected your grades. Schools LOVE this, as well once you are done writing it ask a counselor to look over.
As well I would suggest trying to get a decent score on your SAT or ACT.
2007-03-28 11:56:50 · answer #3 · answered by F C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most colleges, I know UCLA does, ask you to write an essay. Explain in your essay your disadvantaged status.
Some schools also have a disadvantaged part in their application where you get to explaiin your disadvantage background.
2007-03-28 11:57:10 · answer #4 · answered by christigmc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋