<p>OP, I am really sorry to hear about this difficult situation. I am so glad that your mom has stepped up as parent. OP please listen to me. You are showing incredible resilience and determination just by posting your story. Not many kids have to face what you do, and you are carrying a heavy burden. You should not be living in a restaurant. I am sure it must have been really bad if you felt you had no other choice but to leave home. But I do worry that it is not a safe environment, and I hope your mom can find a better living situation for both of you. Are you back home now? Remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!</p>
<p>If your brother is going to colelge – and you are financially contributing to help him continue – I think he should now do his part and step up this summer to help you plan YOUR future. It’s not really a question of, Should I apply to Harvard or not? It’s finding your way as a motivated student to a list of schools that can help you achieve your dream.</p>
<p>You will receive tons of great advice on CC. I will leave Harvard out of the equation right now (I am sure that others will talk you out of focussing on only one school – and one with a 5% acceptance rate, at that). But I want to tell you that you will need lots of support ont his college search, and if you can count on one or two or three people who will keep you on task and on time, it will really help.</p>
<p>Advice about admissions, financial aid etc will be good on CC – keep coming back.</p>