<p>Ok. First post, but I already have some big questions.</p>
<p>I'm really interested in Princeton because of their excellent science programs, great reputation, and generous aid. But I want to know: would applying be a waste if time for me?</p>
<p>Stats:</p>
<p>Ok, I've never taken the ACT "for real" before, but all of my practice tests (I know you cant' REALLY trust them) say:
34+</p>
<p>SAT scores: 2000+</p>
<p>I've done a lot of extracurriculars and have quite a few extraneous awards. I won't name them here for privacy reasons, but one of them was a National Geographic Internship.</p>
<p>I volunteer a lot (60+ hours so far this year) and will be an officer of my United Way Youth Council next year.</p>
<p>I'm a good writer and can do a good essay for Princeton, and I'm fairly sure I could charm my way through an interview.</p>
<p>I'm half-Hispanic (even though I have brown hair and blue eyes) with a common Hispanic last name.</p>
<p>My family's total income is about $100,000.</p>
<p>I'm homeschooled, but my GPA is 3.9. (No, I earn my own grades. I know what you're thinking).</p>
<p>So, do I even have a chance? SHOULD I EVEN BOTHER?</p>
<p>Sorry, but I’m not seeing what is so unique about you from what you’ve written.</p>
<p>Interviews play little-to-no-part in the process, so your charm will not factor in.</p>
<p>I disagree about the intetviews part. Completely disagree.</p>
<p>OK… that’s fine to disagree about interviews… what are you basing your information on?</p>
<p>My daughters had at least 20 interviews combined; my older d is at Pton. The interviewers - almost unilaterally said - the interview is an opportunity for the student to get more information, not for the school to learn about the student. Some of them expressed regret that their time spent during the interview process had so little impact on the application process. </p>
<p>We have a friend who does interviews for Pton; she has told us that her instructions are to advise them if anyone is totally ill-suited for the school; it’s a way to weed out applicants, and determine if the reality doesn’t match the application.</p>
<p>There are numerous posts here at CC about interviews; have you read thru them? If not, do so before thinking that your charm will have much effect on the process; thinking that is a sure-fire path to disappointment.</p>
<p>I’m not saying you should not apply to Princeton; you know that your SAT scores are low. There are are many many many others with the same stats as you, many more with better.</p>
<p>Apply to Pton if you want… Apply to other schools as well. Make sure you have several safeties that you love and can afford, and all will be fine (check out the threads which talk about automatic merit aid, and honors programs which offer scholarships).</p>
<p>I didn’t see anything that made you a special case. What did you think it was?</p>