Ok, long story short, I had been very stupid in the past with my credit. It was part upbringing (bills always late), part irresponsibility, and part stupidity. I attended college, have a bunch of school loans (about $25000) which I defaulted on. Reason being that I had no job, depressed, new in the city, etc. Basically, I let it run out and get bad. I also have about 12,000 in small medical and collection accounts. I have NEVER had good credit, and everywhere I turn, they won't give me credit because of the stupidity in the past.