<p>(It’s a little long, but if you’ll read it and give me your opinion, I would be so amazingly grateful!)</p>
<p>My Dad attended Stanford, but committed suicide shortly before going to graduate school. (He got denied from Columbia Law… dumb, I know) My mother was at the time pregnant with me and living with dad near Stanford. Since then she has raised me on her own, without citizenship for many years and no money to do anything. (She was from France, her rich dad abandoned her long ago.) </p>
<p>There are many similarities with what my Dad did at my age. He ran the 800 meters in track, and so do I, (though he broke records). He cared for an autistic child, and so do I. He was valectorian, and so would I have been if it wasn’t for a bad sophomore year haha (we were pretty much homeless; otherwise I have straight A’s).</p>
<p>(i didnt know about his track success, or his helping an autistic person until recently)</p>
<p>I’ll be honest: no one here can really tell you what your chances are. You have some flaws as an applicant (GPA, though that should be explained BY YOUR COUNSELOR, and SAT), and you need to make sure not to overstuff your file… send what’s relevant, nothing else. Personally, I think you have as good a shot as most.</p>
<p>What I set out in this post to say, though, was that regardless of whether you get into school X or Y, you’ve done a lot to be proud of in your life, and you’ll succeed no matter what. Remember not to judge yourself by what some school thinks of you.</p>
<p>thanks man, i’m definitely keeping perspective with this whole college thing. i’m pretty laid back so i wouldn’t mind too much about getting rejected.</p>
<p>Well quantitatively your application is somewhat sub-par, but you’ve got a story and have dealt with hardships, which Stanford loves. I wouldn’t be suprised if you get in. It’s a distinct possibility, especially if your application really showed how strong of a person you were and how you haven’t been able to live entirely up to your potential in academics because you were forced to live up to your full potential in life. It will come down to how well your story is related. Recommendations from people who really like you and get you would be a big plus.</p>
<p>Your story touched me. You’ll get in (or would, if I had any control over it). In fact, I’d be honored to get rejected if you were admitted. Best of luck!</p>
<p>wow. such a story. I would say try to keep up ur academic performance, and i hope to see that you’ll get into stanford. i’m very sorry about your father. I’m sure he would have been proud to see the person you are today–and that you had done some of the great things he had done.</p>
<p>You definitely have a chance. All you can do is write great essays, have great recs, and wait for Stanford’s decision because your academic record is great.</p>
<p>Academically, you’re not too special in Stanford’s pool. But I am truly touched by your story, and I’m sure Stanford will be too. You really seem like a person who can overcome adversity.</p>
<p>To tell the truth, I don’t know how Stanford will view your app, but your unfortunate circumstances will definitely add a factor to your app. Like what other posters have said, I too won’t be surprised if you do get in.</p>
<p>Even if Stanford isn’t impressed, you’ve definitely inspired me. :)</p>
You’ll get in (or would, if I had any control over it). In fact, I’d be honored to get rejected if you were admitted. Best of luck!</p>