<p>Hi. I’m an Asian guy and I’m in college. As a child, my father used to punch me repeatedly for minor infractions. He also used to abuse my mother and my brother. I still sometimes feel guilty that I did not stop him from abusing my mother when I was a child (I was afraid, I suppose).</p>
<p>MY ADVICE would be to bear with this right now. I don’t know what grade you are in, but I suppose you are quite adept at knowing when to “stop” with your mother and when to pursue a point (I was). There are some scenarios I see happening:</p>
<p>A) You get into UC Berkeley and you want to go there: just try to get as little contact with your parents as possible.</p>
<p>B) You get into UC Berkeley and you don’t want to go there: in this scenario, either fight it out with your parents or prepare scholarships in advance. Again, I recommend fastweb.net (or .com? I forget). Write about your abuse, tell people about your situation.</p>
<p>C) You don’t get into UC Berkeley. In this case, resort to part (B) about scholarships or go to Cal States. I would recommend you use the scholarship and go to another UC if you can. Talk personally to adcoms, tell them about your situation. Get scholarships, apply for anything and everything.</p>
<p>ONE LAST TIP (from experience): You may have some deep psychological issues with the abuse (not “psycho” stuff, but just guilt, fear, etc…I speak from experience). Talk to counselors, learn how to GENUINELY ignore your parents, get good friends, and live a healthy lifestyle. Don’t feel pressured to study all day. Learn to do what you love. Value your time. Find SOME good in your parents’ lives, but DO NOT feel guilty. Exercise. Find ways to do what you want to do.</p>