<p>ur in so dont worry on ur chances too much.</p>
<p>haha...I thought I revive this thread</p>
<p>Did you become a finalist?</p>
<p>no :( just semi (there were two at my school).</p>
<p>"I just dont understand the thrust on being well rounded for each applicant."</p>
<p>Well, you see, it arises from a widely-held myth that elite colleges seek to admit only upper-middle-class applicants who lead very unnatural high school careers. But, in fact, this is not the case:</p>
<p>"Harvard (or Princeton or Yale or Columbia or Stanford or MIT) seeks to enroll well-rounded students as well as a well-rounded first-year class. Thus, some students distinguish themselves for admission due to their unusual academic promise through experience or achievements in study or research. Other students present compelling cases because they are more "well rounded" - they have contributed in many different ways to their schools or communities. Still other successful applicants are "well lopsided," with demonstrated excellence in one particular endeavor - academic, extracurricular or otherwise. Some students bring perspectives formed by unusual personal circumstances or experiences. Like all colleges, we seek to admit the most interesting, able and diverse class possible." (Harvard</a> College Admissions Office: frequently asked questions)</p>
<p>Thank-you, sinusrhythm, for challenging people's assumptions. You hit the nail on the head.</p>
<p>When we spoke to the admissions staff at Princeton last spring we were told that 30% of the incoming freshman class had been the valedictorian for their high school class. We expressed surprise that so many applicants could have been #1. The admissions representative then said, “Oh no, don’t misunderstand, we could have filled the class several times over with just valedictorians, but we’re looking for kids who are well rounded. There are plenty of gifted, disciplined students who achieve at high levels in a variety of areas. Academic excellence doesn’t have to come at the expense of achievement in other areas.” </p>
<p>My SATs are only 2310, with an additional 800 and 760 in two subsequent subject matter tests (Bio and Chem), so I’m on the low end there, but I have a 4.0, six AP classes and strong ECs, including substantial community service work. I’m also an Eagle Scout, the president of our National Honor Society chapter, captain of our relay for life team and an Eagle Scout. I also run cross-country, play in the school orchestra and compete and teach in Karate. Princeton told us I had a pretty fair chance of admission even though my SATs were not perfect. (I also have the disadvantage of being a white male, so they obviously tolerate imperfection ☺</p>
<p>You clearly meet the Princeton standards. It’s going to be a matter of “fit”, so your essays and recommendations are huge. Good luck! (I guess we'll know soon, huh?)</p>
<p>I also applied to Duke, now ranked 8th. We visited the campus last week. The admissions staff reported that applications were up 20%, from 20,000 to 24,000 for only 1,700 acceptance letters. I assume the trend is similar for all schools in the top ten.</p>
<p>you have a great shot at Princeton. you definitely show passion and intellectual promise.I think whaler is absolutely right to say that it is only a matter of "fit" now. GOOD LUCK! and please chance back at :<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/660584-id-appreciate-chance-two-hmmm-maybe-three-p.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/660584-id-appreciate-chance-two-hmmm-maybe-three-p.html</a></p>