<p>I'm a rising junior in high school. My freshman GPA was a 90/100 and this year it was an 88/100 - I've taken the hardest classes possible (My weighted GPAs were 95/100 and 93/100), but that doesn't really excuse it. I've wanted to go to Princeton since I was a little kid, but I'm worried my scores aren't good enough. I'm confident I can pull up my GPA next year since I kind of slacked my first two years, but I'm worried I've already blown it for Princeton because of that fact. I'm extremely mad at myself, but I can't change it now.</p>
<p>Some other things about me that may/or may not help balance out my horrible gpa:</p>
<ul>
<li>My last SAT practice test I got a 2230 (760 CR, 720 M, 750 WR)</li>
<li>I have a bunch of ECs with leadership, and about 200 total volunteer hours</li>
<li>I've privately studied trumpet for most of my life and have received a bunch of awards for it.</li>
<li>I would definitely apply SCEA.</li>
</ul>
<p>So? Is there any hope for me if I work my ass off this year, or am I a lost cause for Princeton?</p>
<p>Bumping this. To amend my previous statement about GPA, my current high school GPA is a 91 or, on a 4-point scale, a 3.6. I don’t know how much that helps, but some responses would be nice.</p>
<p>Dude, don’t get too much attached to one university. And if you’re the lost cause, I’m the greatest lost cause. I never passed in my 11th grade except in the final exam. And I’m applying to princeton this year (SCEA). Some say, it’s all about essays. If I could get in, you might be too. You never know what the tide will bring.</p>
<p>I agree with squint about not becoming too attached. What do you like about Princeton? Find some match schools that have those things. Do your best in school, dedicate yourself, apply SCEA, and see what happens. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get in.</p>
<p>I would definitely urge you to apply but I would recommend getting a 2300+ on your SAT, plan on taking the SAT IIs right after your APs, and yes, you will need to bring up your GPA big time. Also, don’t just have “a bunch of ECs” have focused ECs that are meaningful to you and can be vehemently demonstrated in your essays AND teacher recs.</p>
<p>In other words, become a ruthless machine this year. =D</p>
<p>I am doubtful that you’ve “blown it” for Princeton. While good grades are important, you should keep in mind that there is much more to your application than marks. Your freshman grades are not formally used in the admission process, so essentially you have one year out of 2 1/2 that will be used (all of 10th, 11th and part of 12th grades). These need to demonstrate a strong ability to do well in demanding courses - the reason being Princeton courses will in general be significantly more difficult than anything you have encountered in high school. This criteria is set to ensure that students succeed at Princeton. Good results on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT also provide a snapshot to admissions on the likelihood of your success at Princeton. Perfect marks/scores are not required but you should be scoring at or near the top of your peers’ results. </p>
<p>The EC’s and essays should create a clear picture of your interests, talents and leadership skills. When prospective students get involved in a number of EC’s simply to pad their resume, it shows. When a student is involved in areas they are truly passionate about it is reflected in their essays, the subjects they have studied and plan to pursue, and in community service. Suprasanity above alluded to this and I agree. </p>
<p>Ultimately you need to spend your time doing what will make you happy whether or not you are accepted to a top tier school. Dig deep and find out what you love and then do it.</p>
<p>You’re a rising junior. You have a year and a half. Colleges look for an upward trend in admissions; therefore, since you are about to begin your junior year, bring that GPA up a TON. Certainly it would have been best if your sophomore year GPA was higher than your freshman year GPA, but if you continue in a heavy upward trend from here on out, you have a chance. But as does everyone else–everyone has a shot for Princeton, and many qualified applicants are turned away. If Princeton has been your dream school since a child, you ideally should have been working harder on GPA up to this point. But again, you’re only a rising junior, so you’ve made a good realization at the right time; it’s not too late yet.</p>
<p>Also, if Princeton is what you really want, grades don’t matter as much as you think they do. EVERYONE applying to Princeton has good grades. And also, high schools all have different GPA systems, so it’s hard to say if you really have a “low” GPA or “high” GPA. Anyway, grades don’t matter as much; rather, find something you love and pour your heart into it.</p>
<p>Go at stuff you love. I’m tired of seeing people spend their life and thoughts on an extra tenth percent of their GPA or a point of their ACT–while I’m not trying to say grades aren’t important (and while a point on the ACT may indeed make a bit of a difference), it isn’t worth having your time consumed to become something you really aren’t. Do your best, and that’s all that counts in the long run anyway. It’s worth studying for standardized tests, and it’s certainly worth keeping your GPA as high as possible, but don’t go overboard. Instead, put your time towards something you really love, and soak up as many opportunities as you can–and even create your own opportunities.</p>
<p>Perhaps I’m not the best person to be listening to, as I will be applying to Princeton this year myself and have no idea what sort of chance I have. But I do hope you consider what I have to say, and I absolutely wish you the BEST of luck. I know what it’s like to love a college and want it so badly You’re on the right track!</p>
You’re on the right track!</p>