<p>I’ll be as succinct as possible to save you time reading my profile. What do you suspect my chances are at these schools?</p>
<p>-Age: 21
-Major: Mechanical Engineering
-GPA: 3.97
-College: CCC
-Applying to: Caltech, Berkeley, Stanford, Harvey Mudd, Cal Poly Pomona (back up)
-Classes completed: I’ve finished the IGETC, and will have finished Berkeley’s and Cal Poly’s major-specific courses.</p>
<p>Extracurriculars since high school:
-Honor’s Curriculum (6 honors classes and volunteer time)
-Member of the engineering club
-Volunteer at a local family shelter
-Math/Science tutor (I love doing this.)
-Started an online marketing business when I was 19 (two years ago). It’s taken care of my personal expenses and allows me to go to school full time. I typically have to manage up to three people on each project. The business requires extensive knowledge of computers and webdesign. I’ve had 20-25, and most receive an additional 2-4 business calls per day, directly attributable to my work.
-Work for another online marketing company up north.</p>
<p>Challenges:
My mother was unfortunately the victim of a violent crime and I’ve never met my father. I was raised by my grandmother until she passed away from brain and lung cancer when I was 12. My aunt has been caring for me since then. Our financial situation has always been a burden on me. We have to live with several other people, unrelated to us, in our house to make rent. They’ve often had alcohol/drug related problems and it’s been uncomfortable to say the least. Ever since I’ve graduated high school I’ve worked two jobs simultaneously to pay for my needs. My aunt takes care of my rent and food, everything else in life has been up to me. My time is very limited due to this and I’d rather be spending my time doing something more productive and beneficial to the community.</p>
<p>From elementary school 'til my Junior year in high school I’ve received some pretty bad grades (<2.7 GPA). I was diagnosed with clinical depression my Junior year and got help. I’ve received straight A’s ever since. Math and science has been a large motivation in my life, and you’ll often find my reading my math and science textbooks while my friends are partying. </p>
<p>Honestly, I’m thankful for what I’ve been through. It has made me a person I’m proud to be today.</p>