<p>I don’t necessarily get the idea of a “financial safety” considering the original poster hasn’t stated that she is in a dire financial situation or anything of that nature?! Or am I missing something?</p>
<p>And I disagree with many other posters. Using examples as evidence that things don’t always work out is just as effective as using examples as evidence that things do work out. What will an example prove to the admissions office? People simply like to use prior experiences as an indicator of what “may” happen, but considering that none of us are adcoms on this thread (I’m assuming) and few have an accurate idea of how the process even works (most statements like these are simply rumors), no one can say that said examples and prior experiences are an indication of how one will perform when they themselves go through the admissions process.</p>
<p>SATs aren’t everything and it is very likely the original poster will do well if (s)he writes excellent essays and proves herself as worthy to that specific college/university. GOOD LUCK! :)</p>