<p>Ana11…
Although I am not familiar specifically with the prospective schools you have listed, I do have some suggestions for you to consider concerning your approach to applications.</p>
<p>1) Accentuate the positive 
Despite the many challenges you have successfully over, and those you doubt are working to meet and yet overcome, it is always best to accentuate your successes, without intentionally trying to attract sympathy. In other words, there are two ways you can present your situation: a) as a victim using “excuses” or b) as someone who embraces challenge and/or disadvantage and is capable of meeting and overcoming challenge. There is a somewhat subtle difference between the two approaches, but there is a very great difference in the kind of response they receive. You should consider this in terms of the character you wish your application to impart – you have great strengths to show an admissions committee. Think about them and how it would be most constructive to impart them. :-)</p>
<p>2) Applications to colleges are not just about numbers, they are about human beings. As you fill out your applications and write your essays, try to show (not “tell”) as much as you can about your STRENGTHS, the kind of person you are, what you can bring to a college community from your experience. If you need to write additional essays, go the extra mile. Do the best you can in school, do the best you can to improve your test scores to show you are capable of the challenge and that you get better and better at it – but also show what you have to contribute to a school’s community as well.</p>
<p>All the best of luck to you. Don’t let anyone hold you back. Sometimes certain goals may take longer to reach than we might like, but just remember that meeting or exceeding the goals we set for ourselves is usually worth the effort, even if some need a little more time or more work than we initially hoped or imagined.</p>
<p>You have a lot to be proud of young lady. I’m rooting for you.</p>
<p>Best of luck,
This Mom</p>