<p>You have to stop letting your self-esteem depend on external factors. You have to stop comparing yourself to others, and you have to stop looking for defects in yourself. You got a 2400, so you’re obviously very intelligent, and that’s something you should be proud of yourself for, even if your (obviously jealous) friends try to downplay it, or even if you don’t get hundreds on every test. You’re not a robot who can be perfect all the time, and you shouldn’t be.
Stop trying to be perfect and liked, and find the strength within yourself to make peace with who you are and what you have. You’re obviously special and talented, stop doubting yourself!
Also, don’t let circumstances define you. So you don’t have money anymore, that’s just an obstacle that will make you stronger. To quote Amherst’s supplement prompt, “Difficulty need not foreshadow despair or defeat. Rather achievement can be all the more satisfying because of obstacles surmounted.” If what you’re going through is that difficult, you’ve got a great essay idea, bam.
You’re not defined by a number, by your accomplishments, or by your circumstances. You’re defined by what’s inside of you, by the kind things you do and the little personal victories you win, and you don’t need to live to please anyone but yourself.</p>