@whidbeyite2002, there is just about zero possibility a compelling essay will lead to acceptance by any of those schools for this student-unless the information provided in the essay (not the way it is written) suggests she has fared as well as she has while simultaneously overcoming formidable challenges-like undergoing treatment for cancer, being abandoned by her family and transporting herself from an impoverished country to the US as a young child…like that. A well written essay without a corresponding story of dealing well with immense challenges (at the magnitude of those listed) won’t be enough to gain entry to the sort of schools the OP lists.