<p>Bring up your math score and there is no reason why Brown can’t be on your list. Math is clearly not your strongest subject, but you probably got some questions wrong on the PSAT that you should have gotten right, i.e. stuff you learned in 6 grade but forgot. So getting a review book out of the library and working a couple of problems every night is a great way to prep for the June test.</p>
<p>It’s great that you are looking at a range of options.</p>
<p>With a 750 in writing, a 710 in CR …you are not “out of the running” for any school.</p>
<p>However…you also shouldn’t get your hopes up on ANY reach school. But…if you’re interested in reach schools, you definitely should apply.</p>
<p>Rochester is likely a very reasonable option for you. I would hope your GC could tell you how competitive you are compared to other kids from your school for UVA, William and Mary and other VA state schools.</p>
<p>Are you taking/have you taken any AP courses? How are you doing in them?</p>
<p>If you have some great recommendations, have a compelling essay, and can show that you are capable of high caliber work your “status” as a low income first generation college student will cause ad coms at reach schools to at least take a close look at your application. </p>
<p>The parents on this site are usually more helpful than I think they’ve been so far on this thread. But, maybe there will be some more input. </p>
<p>Are the GC’s at your school any good? If not …you’ll need to find some kind of mentor (maybe a teacher???) to give you advice during this process.</p>
<p>The GCs are pretty good. </p>
<p>I took 1 AP last year (AP Euro) and got a 5. This year I’m taking US History, English Language and Psychology.</p>
<p>I should have at least one amazing recommendation from my English teacher (who has doubled as my Journalism sponsor). </p>
<p>Thanks for your help and here’s to hoping others chime in as well!</p>
<p>So…with the 5 on AP Euro, your very good CR and W test scores and a great rec …you will have something that shows the top level colleges that you can do college level work.</p>
<p>I know that being low income and first generation to go to college doesn’t seem like a “hook” – but, in some way, it is. It is likely that even with SLIGHTLY lower test scores and GPA, your application will still get a second look by the admissions dept.</p>
<p>Don’t get your hopes up, but don’t sell yourself short (sorry for the cliches!) You really should try for a place like Brown – if the open curriculum and other aspects of the school interest you.</p>
<p>And…if your GC’s are good…they’ll be able to give you some idea how realistic your expectations are – especially for UVA.</p>