Chance for SCEA?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>As I'm trying to figure out where to apply early, Princeton's definitely at the top of my list, and I'd love to end up here; I'd appreciate any advice/thoughts about SCEA and my chances.</p>

<p>Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 2400 (single sitting)
ACT: N/A
SAT II: 800 Math 2, 800 US History, 800 Chemistry, 780 Physics
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0 UW/4.74 W
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): Top 10% of 400
AP (place score in parenthesis): Biology (5), Calculus BC (5), Calculus AB Subscore (5), World History (5), Physics B (5), Physics C (both 5)'s; waiting on Chemistry, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, Latin: Vergil, Statistics, US History
IB (place score in parenthesis): N/A
Senior Year Course Load: Multivariable Calculus, AP European History, AP Physics C (never took a class, and ran out of other science), Advanced Computer Science: Data Structures, Ancient Greek (IS I set up with my Latin teacher), Art 2, school English/Religion classes
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): NFL National Finalist (Top 6 in Nation in speech), Top 3 at state tournament (both speech and debate), Eagle Scout, submitting summer research for Siemens/Intel</p>

<p>Subjective:
Extracurriculars: Speech and Debate (awards above, Policy Debate Captain); Newspaper (Business Editor); Indian Student Club (Secretary and Treasurer); Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout, STEM-Nova Silver Medal); City Teen Advisory Committee (secretary last year, VP this year, likely president next year); Indian Classical Violin (part of a semi-classical band); Piano (Completed Advanced Level of CM); Science Research
Job/Work Experience/Summer Experience: Currently astro research at local university; previously, finance department of local historical center; volunteering at city camp for kids
Volunteer/Community service: City Volunteering (400+ hours), Scouts (250+), other school requirements (50+)
Summer Activities: above, and debate camps
Essays: Not sure
Teacher Recommendation: Should be very good
Counselor Rec: Same as teacher recs</p>

<p>Other
State (if domestic applicant): CA
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: Parochial
Ethnicity: South Asian
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: 100k+
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): none for Princeton</p>

<p>Let me know your honest opinions; I'm planning on majoring in some interdisciplinary field, involving CS, Math, and Business (OR/FE comes to mind), though I'd love to get a certificate in astrophysical sciences or political science -- yeah, diverse interests. Thanks for your tips!</p>

2

<p>hmmm I think I know which high school you go to (if my guess is right I’m about a 20 minute drive away). Just curious, how many were accepted to Princeton from your school this year? </p>

<p>On a more related note, your stats are impeccable (don’t worry about the 780 physics). Great extracurriculars, and really hoping you get at least a semifinalist at Siemens or Intel. Work hard on your paper (I don’t recall if I sent in my paper to Princeton but I certainly did for a couple other Ivies) and more importantly, think extensively about your interest in math, science, and business and why Princeton would be a good fit for you in interdisciplinary study. There isn’t much space for you to write about this interest in the essays, so you can share this with your interviewer. There’s a tendency for applicants with dazzling scores to just have a “paper application;” so take care to communicate your ethics, character, and personality through more subjective aspects of the application such as the essays and interview. Best of luck!</p>

3

<p>Thanks for your advice so far! I’d love to hear other opinions.</p>

<p>Icedcoffeee: We’ve gotten 4 into Princeton each year for the last few years. Thanks for the advice and good wishes! Where are you headed?</p>

<p>kfmnc: Ugh, the Asian anti-hook… sigh. MIT is great, but to be honest, I don’t think my math/science credentials are nearly as strong as other applicants; doing well in Intel would help with that. Also, if I write a paper, I don’t think it would be published by the early deadline, so I’d like to wait that out.</p>

4

<p>As said earlier, just make sure they realize you’re a real person. What I mean is, you’re paper application is perfect, but unfortunately, a mediocre essay could really stifle your chances. </p>

<p>As for the Asian anti-hook, you could always not list your ethnicity! But I guess Indian Club gives that away …</p>

5

<p>WHAT is your secret, 2400 and 800s on your SAT2s???</p>

6

<p>@OP I’m headed to Harvard. I had a tough time choosing among H, P, and S though. Don’t let the “Asian anti-hook” discourage you, and certainly do not be afraid of your culture so as to withhold your ethnicity on the application (I’m Chinese). While top universities such as Princeton strive for diversity, this can be achieved in multiple ways–racially, intellectually, socially. Your breadth of extracurriculars and interests already make you truly unique, and the depth at which you accomplish them is remarkable. Nonetheless, there is not a single college application process that will be a walk in the park for even the most hooked or qualified applicant. Be confident and optimistic, but stay humble and open-minded.</p>

<p>On a not so related note, out of the 9 or 10 privates I applied to, MIT was the only school that didn’t accept me. (I’m a diehard STEM guy)</p>

7

<p>Wow, that’s an amazing resume. I’d agree that MIT would be tough to get into, but I would still apply anyway (mostly depends on the Siemens result). I think that your Speech & Debate extracurricular sets you apart from the “Asian stereotype”. I think you have a great chance at Princeton - certainly a better chance than I had, but hey, I still got in ;)</p>

<p>The most important piece of advice I can give you at this point: write a killer essay.</p>

8

<p>graceee, can I read your application essay please? :)</p>