I guess the situation is a lot similar to YC's rejections (see http://ycombinator.com/whynot.html).

I recently got into programming and wanted to apply for HS but living for 3 months in NYC isn't affordable for me. I'll be applying for next year's summer batch. Till then I'll arrange money and build up my knowledge.

HS facilitator here - If you email me (allison at hackerschool), we can give you feedback.

Another facilitator here - I'm two weeks behind in responding to emails asking for feedback after being rejected, but I'm getting to them soon, and appreciate that folks are asking.