Ask yourself one simple question – if circumstances put you in a tough school district with poor parents, would you be successful? That is what admissions staff look for in most competitive schools. Or they look for elite athletes (Ivies), perfect students (Caltech), or super-rich kids (Tier 2 – G’town, Wash U, Vandy etc). Honestly, you are better off applying to tier 2 schools, which will accept you with open arms.