<p>Hi All,
I am Khandige Ananth V. Bhat, a Homeschooler from Bangalore, India. I am Currently doing my A-Levels in Accounts, Sociology, Business Studies, Law, and Economics. I am also Preparing for my SAT-I, which I'll take this December. I plan to apply for entry in Fall '12, for the class of 2016. My grades in my Std. X Final Examinations were Mostly "B"s and "C"s (However I did manage to graduate with First Class Marks). I have Always had a burning desire to Study at Princeton. I have had quite a few queries answered on the FAQ's, however certain Questions have still remained Unanswered. I have Listed them Below.
They are:-</p>
<ol>
<li>What Weight will my A-Levels have in my applications? and Will It give me Advanced Standing?</li>
<li>Are Advanced Placement Courses available in India? if so, then How can I sign up for them?</li>
<li>How Exactly do I deal with Homesickness? </li>
<li>What Kind of an Emotional, Psychological, and Social Support System exactly exists at Princeton for Undergrads?</li>
<li>What Exactly are the Housing, Dining, Health, and Recreational facilities available to Princeton Undergrads?</li>
<li>Will my Tourette's Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affect my chances of getting In to Princeton? and Will I be Discriminated against at Princeton because of them?</li>
<li>Are LGBT Students and Hindu Students Discriminated Against at Princeton?</li>
<li>Are there any Hindu Student's Groups and Indian Student's Groups at Princeton?</li>
<li>What exactly are Princeton's Admissions Requirements for Homeschooled International Students? and What is the Profile of the Average Homeschooled Student who Does get Admitted? and What is the Profile of the Average International Student who Gets In?</li>
<li>How exactly do I increase my chances of Getting In?
Any and All Helpful answers to the above mentioned queries will be Most Appreciated, and Most Valued.</li>
</ol>
<p>Yours,
K.A.V.B</p>
<p>I’ll take a stab:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>A 7 on a British A-level is considered equivalent to a 5 on an AP exam, and a 6 converts to a 4. Admission officers are familiar with A-levels and will look upon them favorably. If you’re interested in advanced standing, check out the AP Credit Reference Table ([AP</a> Credit Reference Table - Advanced Placement and Advanced Standing](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/pub/ap/table/]AP”>http://www.princeton.edu/pub/ap/table/)) and use the conversion I just gave. You need eight units of AP credit to graduate three 3 years.</p></li>
<li><p>I have no idea.</p></li>
<li><p>This is something that will be particularly tough for you as an international student since you’ll see your family so rarely. My advice is to participate in a few summer programs away from home so that you get an idea of what living on your own is like.</p></li>
<li><p>Princeton has counseling services available to all students through McCosh Health Center.</p></li>
<li><p>This information is readily available online. Check out [Princeton</a> University | What’s Distinctive About Princeton](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/admission/whatsdistinctive/]Princeton”>http://www.princeton.edu/admission/whatsdistinctive/).</p></li>
<li><p>It shouldn’t affect your chances unless the committee thinks that these disorders will prevent you from succeeding academically. If I were you, I wouldn’t mention it on your application. As for Princeton students, we’re generally a pretty sensitive bunch, so whatever sort of discrimination or dirty looks you get will probably not be as bad as what you would encounter elsewhere. </p></li>
<li><p>Hindu students are not discriminated against. While there are still unfortunately some isolated incidents of homophobia, most of the gay students I know seem to feel comfortable and supported. </p></li>
<li><p>Yes, there is an active Indian community. Indian dance groups are particularly popular.</p></li>
<li><p>See [Princeton</a> University | Tips for Home Schooled Students](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/tips_for_home_schooled/]Princeton”>http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/tips_for_home_schooled/) and [Princeton</a> University | Tips for International Students](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/international_students/]Princeton”>http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/international_students/). In general, it is much more difficult to be admitted as an international student.</p></li>
<li><p>Earn all A’s (or their equivalent), get a high SAT score (2300+ for internationals), and have good extracurricular activities.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>And finally, some advice: Don’t capitalize common nouns, and don’t give out your name on an online forum. Admission officers read this site.</p>