<p>I don't really believe in the "chances" threads, seeing that admissions really can't be judged accurately. But I do want to know if I'm on track to apply to Princeton. </p>
<p>First of all, it's definitely a reach school for me--no question. So basically, I don't expect to get in easily. That being said, it is still a top personal choice for me.</p>
<p>Anyways, here is a very basic summary:</p>
<p>GPA: 3.85 unweighted, 4.4 weighted.</p>
<p>SAT: 2100 (will retake soon)</p>
<p>My school does not rank, but it is a very competitive school in the Greater Boston Area. It is considered to be one of the top 70 schools in the country. </p>
<p>I began high school at a private school in South Carolina, that was not known for its academics. I did very well there, with A's in all classes. I transferred to my current school in my sophomore year, and had a very rough transition (meaning that my grades slipped to mostly B's). Since then, I have been able to pull them back up to mostly A's. </p>
<p>My classes consist of a mix of AP's, Honors, and regular classes. Not all of the classes I take / have taken are available in AP or Honors.</p>
<p>Of my more important EC's:</p>
<p>In the summer following my freshman year, I worked as an intern at a commercial photography studio. This was largely a learning experience and, even though I don't plan to pursue photography professionally, I feel that I can apply much of what I learned to other pursuits. </p>
<p>I founded the guitar club at my current school. It is officially beginning next year, but I will also be serving as president. </p>
<p>This summer, I will be doing an internship with the Massachusetts Republican Party (yes, it does exist). I already know that I will be receiving a good recommendation from a prominent local politician. Note that both of my internships are generally pursued by college students, and I am one of the very few high-school students to do either.</p>
<p>I am an avid musician, playing mostly guitar, bass, and drums. I frequently perform live, playing mostly rock, folk, blues, and rockabilly music. I play in two bands and have performed on TV numerous times. My pursuit of music does not extend to school as much, mainly because I don't play orchestral music (which is my reason for founding guitar club). </p>
<p>I will be on the school newspaper next year, but I don't know for what position yet.</p>
<p>I also have about 300 hours of community service.</p>
<p>I do football and cross-country, but I honestly have never been very good at sports... so for that reason I don't pursue them extensively. I am beginning sailing, however, and plan to join the school's sailing group.</p>
<p>Recommendations, etc: I always have a good rapport with my teachers, so I definitely expect to have good recommendations. As for essays, they are definitely a strong point of mine. </p>
<p>Legacy:</p>
<p>I don't know how much this might help, but I have a somewhat extensive family legacy at Princeton. It began very long ago, with one of my relatives being in Princeton's first graduating class. </p>
<p>A few more family members attended down the line, which eventually ended up with Moses Taylor Pyne. He is often regarded as "Princeton's greatest benefactor," because he donated more to Princeton than any other philanthropist. He helped found 12 of the dining clubs, donated hundreds of acres of land, two buildings (Upper and Lower Pyne), helped to found Pyne Library, and founded the Alumni Association and periodical. He was accepted into the board of trustees as 28, and never missed a meeting as long as he lived. He was also the chairman of the trustee's committee on finance and chairman of the grounds.</p>
<p>After Moses Taylor Pyne, a few more relatives attended Princeton without much influence (other than one other trustee). The legacy halted, for the moment, with my grandfather, who was given full scholarship for his family ties but decided not to attend.</p>
<p>Thanks to all who have taken the time to read this.</p>