<p>My son is African American. He was adopted from foster care (birth parents both died of AIDS). His average is mid-80s (unweighted, some Honors and AP) and he didn’t do well on SATs (510, 530 and 440, but tutoring and taking them again). He is convinced that he won’t be able to get into a good school (wants to study communications/broadcasting). I think he’s protecting himself from possible rejection (he’s had so much of it in early life), so he’s saying he should “just go to community college.” He plays stand-up bass in orchestra, Varsity baseball, has some community service, and he’s bright, handsome and likeable. I think he should “shoot for the stars” and if admissions people know how far he’s come (I’m his 3rd mother, he’d be the first of 9 siblings to go to college, etc.) maybe he could get into the school he wants–which is Ithaca College or Syracuse University. Any advice? Am I believing in him TOO much because he’s my son, or is he shutting down because he’s scared. How much of a difference does a person’s “narrative” (essay) count in this regard?</p>