<p>efeens: There’s currently a Pton sophomore who spent his junior year reading the papers of research scientists at the nearby university research hospital. Then, he and his mate approached the ones that matched their interests and approached them. By the time summer rolled around, they had his pick of several research offers. </p>
<p>He ended up being a Siemens finalist. I interviewed him and he was one of the most impressive applicants I’ve met. Sadly, he turned down my alma mater to attend Pton. :(</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips, museite and T26. I’m not looking anymore (I’m working two jobs while doing basketball conditioning, so I have a lot going on right now), as my Princeton app is due in less than 2 months, but I appreciate you two taking the time to give some advice that I hope some other people in the situation I was in can find and use effectively. </p>
<p>My comment was more geared towards the fact that so many applicants have these positions now; I’m not really sure if I feel at a disadvantage for not ever having one, but working for most of the last 2 years of high school has to win me some brownie points. I’m hoping it does, anyways. </p>
<p>Thanks again guys! Posters like you make the site what it is, a great tool for stressed high schoolers.</p>
<p>There’s only so much we have control of when applying for colleges. Especially at this level, there are no guarantees (how Ivy ad coms make their decisions is a mystery to me lol). I’d say just focus on preparing yourself and your application (the above posters have great advice on that) instead of worrying about getting in. Do what you love, because you’ll enjoy yourself and get some great essay/application material at the same time.</p>
<p>I would think having the opportunity to write an additional essay is a plus, not a negative. It gives the applicant an additional opportunity to create a clear picture for the ad coms - why you’d be a great fit for Princeton, revealing your passion for engineering etc. They don’t expect you to be a spectacularly creative writer if you are a BSE applicant, but you do need to be a clear communicator with good writing skills. Having said that, BSE students get their share of writing at Princeton and if the appeal of avoiding an essay is that strong, it might be wise to investigate further whether Princeton is the right fit for you. </p>
<p>It’s not that strong, it’s just that everyone who is writing the essay has the same passion for engineering, so I am stuck with how to make mine stand out</p>
<p>Before my son wrote his essay, he did quite a bit of research into some of the humanitarian work Princeton was doing through engineering. This was a huge drawing card for him to the university and fit very well with his EC’s and personality as a whole. He integrated these parts into his essay and I think it was both authentic and relevant. You might consider looking into the type of engineering you are most interested in and see what kinds of projects they are working on that appeal to you. If you find a personal connection, that can be used to help your essay stand out. Good luck!</p>