What top schools seem to be an option for me?

Chance Me / Match Me
1

Hello everyone, so I have been contemplating my future as my application period will be coming up next semester. I am a currently in community college, and I’m a single mother. I’ve been through a wide range of obstacles that has more than proved my resilience, etc. ranging from domestic violence, to homelessness, etc.

I will be transferring with a 3.9 GPA, I am part of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, I am a volunteer for my school’s student government, I am a math tutor at my school, I worked three years at Walmart while maintaining a 3.5, and being a mom. I’ve lived on my own with no support from anyone, so I have like 7 W’s, maybe 8 due to the lack of child care and other situations.

By the way, I am a physics major. I’ve lived in poverty my entire life, so I’ve worked as hard as I possible could to ensure my future success. I just want to know what schools I should apply to, what seem realistic for me, and what would be a waste of time. Is Harvard, Yale, Stanford, CalTech, Berkeley realistic for me, or am I dreaming too big? I want to narrow it down to maybe five or six schools so that it doesn’t become too overwhelming or distracting for me while I finish up my last two semesters.

Thanks for any help and suggestions, I greatly appreciate it.

2

Sorry, I recalculated my GPA, and it should actually be a 3.99.

3

I see no harm in “thinking big,” considering the obstacles you have overcome. Colleges love that narrative, as long as you also apply to in-state options that have transfer agreements with your CC. You should have some automatic admissions with that high GPA.

4

OK, so that GPA was if I did academic renewal for my very first semester. If I didn’t do that, and I had a 3.8, would that limit the possibilities, do you think?

5

A 3.8 is still a very good GPA. Congratulations on all your achievements. Cornell might be a good reach school since it’s pretty well known among the Ivies for engineering and science and such. Apply to some reaches because you probably have a decent shot with your GPA, other accomplishments, and story. But also apply for some more likely options just in case. You are a very accomplished lady and I think you will do great no matter where you go.

6

Here is your actual information from your other thread:

For people to most helpful you need to be fully honest. Your post above sugarcoats things.

7

Well when I further thought about it, I thought I might not be able to do that. I don’t know. But if I can, I want to know if I will be able to consider these options.