OcelotTracks

Undergrad Institution: Big State School, not a robust undergrad Earth Science program, but famous labs
Major(s): Earth Science
Minor(s): Nope
GPA in Major: ~3.8
Overall GPA: 3.2
Position in Class: We don't rank
Type of Student: Domestic
 
GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q:149
V:159
W:5.5
Research Experience:
2 Undergrad Internships
2 Poster Competitions
Contributed to ~4 published papers
 
Awards/Honors/Recognitions:
Won 2 Undergrad Poster Competitions
 
Pertinent Activities or Jobs:
Taught college algebra 1 semester
 
Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:
Nothing I didn’t already mention
 
Special Bonus Points: Worked in remote sensing, currently doing a research project in geophysics
 
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: Single mom, LGBT, non-traditional student
 
Applying to Where:
UBC, Portland State, Oregon State, University of Oregon, Boise State, Central Washington (all applications finished, in contact with several potential advisors)

I'm at a large state university, as an undergrad/single mom, and there are some resources for parents here, but I think it's a fight anywhere. Our campus has a childcare center, but waitlists can be over a year. If you can waitlist for childcare where you've applied, do it. I've waitlisted for housing places that have huge waits, even though I haven't gotten in, because the fees were cheaper than what I would have spent on extra rent for a year waiting. If it doesn't cost, especially, get on the list. It will save you a headache. Also, look at local groups that help with low income families (if your family will qualify). My daughter gets free full-day, year round preschool just because of my income, and it bypasses the normal state childcare assistance requirements.