<p>Hey everyone out there...
Planning on applying to Princeton next school year...going for a major in Physics/Astronomy/Astrophysics...something in that general field.</p>
<p>Here are my stats...
SAT Critical Reading: 720
SAT Math: 770
SAT Writing: 740</p>
<p>GPA: 3.9 unweighted
Class rank: 23/396</p>
<p>Junior Year:
PreCalculus A
AP Computer Science AB A
AP English A
AP US History A
Honors Physics A</p>
<p>Senior Year:
AP Calculus BC
AP Physics C
AP Human Geography
AP Government and Politics
AP German
AP Psychology
AP English</p>
<p>ECs:
ECs have been a reach for me - I'm from a family that is on the lower end of the economic spectrum (single parent). ECs came with difficulty both my freshman and sophomore years because of transportation issues...Junior year I saved up enough for a car so it has gradually become more convenient. So far, I'm in the Civitan Service Club, German Club, and Teen Democrats.</p>
<p>However, I also work 20 hours a week to finance pretty much everything I own - clothes, gas, car insurance, the like. </p>
<p>I'm trilingual (Russian, Ukrainian, and English); born in the Ukraine, moved here at six years old...now eighteen.</p>
<p>I feel that I have a lot of strengths working in my favor...just not sure I stand much of a chance in competition at a school like Princeton.</p>
<p>Anyway, if anyone out there would be so kind as to tell me whether or not I have a shot, it would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>You're in pretty good standing now. But as you will hear from other people, nobody can really tell you your "chances" of getting into Princeton. You do have a shot, yes, but will you get in? Nobody can even guess.</p>
<p>Also, there is no early decision or early action at Princeton next year.
Good luck with everything, and welcome to CC!</p>
<p>Well your GPA, SAT, and class rank are in the rightish range, I think you'll definitely get a look. Colleges understand that not everyone can afford to do lots of EC's, and having a job is a great way to display responsibility and work ethic. However, what you did when you wern't doing your EC's is important. Freshman year did you just come home from school and hang out, or did you have some sort of hobby or job? There is a big difference between the two, and I think that is really the make or break of the application.</p>
<p>Like the poster above me said, it's insanely difficult to guess admissions for schools like Princeton. I give you a shot, but not a big one (not that that's different from everyone else).</p>
<p>I actually think that you have a fantastic shot. SATs and other stats seem to be in the right range. Once you pass that hurdle (as sooo many do) it becomes about impressing them with your personal qualities and outstanding extracurricular achievements. You sound like an extremely hard working individual. I mean, you must be in order to receive such amazing grades while working to support yourself. Anyway, if you can write some spectacular essays that really show who you are, and how hard you work (this is crucial) ....I really think you have a great shot. Also...do you help out with your family's expenses as well? If so that would be great to put into your essays. Essays are crucial, and if I was to give you any advice...it would be: START NOW!
As for the video game...it's very cool that you entered a competition and so on...but I would steer clear of that on your app and focus on your other EC's. For some reason...video games seem to have a negative connotation.</p>
<p>Well, Magic: The Gathering is actually a card game, not a video game.</p>
<p>Not sure if it accounts for anything, but a hobby is a hobby. And M:tG does require a lot of skill, more so than pushing a few buttons on the controller.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input though, I do appreciate it.</p>
<p>Oh haha I've never played that card game. Well then sure, if its something you like to do you should put it in. Princeton really tries to get to know each applicant so it could be something good.</p>
<p>Hm I think it might reflect pretty badly on you if you tell Princeton you played Magic...you say you're poor and couldn't afford to drive around to spiffy activities. Makes you look bad if you tell them you played Magic instead.</p>
<p>But anyway you look like a great applicant. How have you pursued your interest in Astronomy and all that? How'd you get interested in it? Plan to do anything with it this summer? Pursuing such an unusual interest would make you really attractive admissions-wise.</p>