Chances at Princeton PLEASE!!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>Hi all!</p>

<p>I am a student currently studying in RJC (a school in Singapore) and a year-one, i.e. 11th grade. I have 2 dream schools: Princeton and Stanford and I will be overjoyed to enter either. However, I am disadvantaged because I am an international student and probably requires financial aid ><</p>

<p>I wonder what my chances are for Princeton, and how I should make myself more competitive amongst international students? (ie. like what type of applicants might appeal to the Princeton officers?)</p>

<p>SAT I: have not taken yet. Plan to take once this December and probably another time in next year Jan(if i don't do well). Any tips?
SAT II: Only taken Bio since i do not take Bio now - 790/800. Plan to take Physics Chem and Math II next year May. Hoping to get high 700s/800</p>

<p>Academics
+Taking A-level General Paper, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics - it's a pretty challenging course, I would say harder than the average American course. Taking "heaviest" workload of 12 academic units (although most people take 12 also)
+Secondary school GPA, i.e. 10th grade - 3.90/4.00 - but i guess our GPA calculation system is quite different from the GPA system in US. Anyway I got A and A+ for all subjects
+O-level Higher Chinese Language: A1 (basically i can speak English, Chinese and Japanese)</p>

<p>ECs
+School Career Club - President (9th, 10th) - Organized events in school like Careers Forum, Work Exposure Program, Careers Quiz Blitz and exhibitions to showcase what the club does
+Singapore Red Cross Youth - Sergeant
+School Red Cross Unit - Quartermaster (9th, 10th) - Attained various national awards as a unit, including Excellent Unit Award (Gold) 2003-2006, Community Service Award (Gold) 2003-2006
+School Chemistry Club (11th, 12th)
+School Econs/Current Affairs Society - Committee Member (11th, 12th)
+Peer Support Leader - providing support and guidance for juniors during and after their school orientation
+Facilitator for Southeast Asian Youth Conference 2007 - helping out with this inaugural program to promote education in Southeast Asia
+Year-long commitment at YMCA Child Care Center, giving free tuition to lower-income family kids weekly
+Stanford University EPGY - Quantum Mechanics Camp
+School Physics Olympiad Training
+Participation in various community service projects - around 300 hrs so far
+Worked at a restaurant in one summer
+Plays soccer, violin/viola, chinese chess in my free time
+Represented school in many other competitions, albeit without much success though
+Will probably have a longer list by next year...</p>

<p>Research Experience (i am really into research)
+Science Mentorship Program (9th): Conducted research on anti-fungal products at local polytechnic (Presented project at local Youth Science Conference)
+Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Youth Research Program (9th, 10th, 11th): Conducted research on biosensors and nanoporous materials - have spent my past 3 holidays there...
+Completed self-initiated project in school on peritoneal dialysis (10th)
+Nanyang Research Program (10th): Conducted research on memory devices at Nanyang Technological University (Presented projects at SSEF)
+Science Research Program (11th) : Currently conducting research on mesoporous materials</p>

<p>Achievements
+Research Science Institute
+A*star Science Award - a scholarship given by the research institute for excellent science students
+Edusave Scholarship for Integrated Program - a scholarship given by the government to cover school fees
+Gold Award for Nanyang Research Program - given for excellent project done in local university
+Promising Young Researcher Award - given for excellent project done in local research institute (selected to present on Young Researchers' Nite)
+School Merit Award - given for contributions to school club
+JLPT Level 3+4 - international Japanese proficiency test, there are 4 levels, 1 being the highest
+HSK Test Intermediate - international Chinese proficiency test, 394/400
+Best Poster Award in IEEE National Science Symposium
+Distinctions for various random competitions, like Australian Math Competition, UNSW English Competition, UNSW Math Competition
+Will be trying to represent Singapore in international programs...</p>

<p>So please chance me on whether I stand a good chance for Princeton. If not, how should I stand a higher chance for Princeton/Stanford or what other schools should I apply for?</p>

<p>Thank you very much! I would really appreciate your feedback!! :)</p>

2

<p>Just do us all a favour and apply! :)</p>

3

<p>Don't worry about a thing. You should have no problem getting into either.</p>

4

<p>why do you say so? i have no special achievement/ec ><</p>

5

<p>You are an international who is currently at RSI- The acceptance rate to that program is lower than either of the two schools you're considering, even more so being international. I know people might yell at dominicanyork and I for this, but I'd say you have an awfully good shot and getting into both of them.</p>

6

<p>Thank you. I hope so...</p>

<p>Anyway, in your opinion, what else can I do to improve my chances, considering i have 1.5 more years before applying?</p>

<p>Thanks again</p>

7

<p>Princeton is need-blind for international students. Your financial situation does not affect your chances.</p>

8

<p>Wait, how are you at RSI now, then? It's only for students who are going into their senior year.</p>

9

<p>i am an international student, and the academic calendar in my country is slightly different. I'm actually having to miss school to attend RSI.</p>

<p>Thus, I am a 11th-grader even though i am the same age as the other participants...</p>

10

<p>Ah, ok. I get it now.</p>

11

<p>I think you have a really good shot! Definitely apply! SAT scores so far are very strong and so are your ECs...solid.</p>

12

<p>I want to say, "Congrats on getting in!" already, but as we all know, admissions is always such a crapshoot, so good luck for now! I'll be wishing all the best for you.</p>

13

<p>bump</p>

<p>any other opinions?</p>

14

<p>you guys can't be serious... the chances for internationals are incredibly low.</p>

<p>there's this guy from my school who represented Singapore at IMO multiple times (winning silver multiple times), APhO, and gold in every local olympiads, national top scorer in A-level, President of clubs, represented Singapore at various science fairs and millions of awards...</p>

<p>And guess what? he's rejected by HYPM, twice in a row.</p>

<p>My chances are really slim... ><</p>

15

<p>Did he have an outstanding essay? Did he make a good impression at the interview? These matter a lot more then the ECs and awards at Princeton, at least I have been told so. I have a friend who was admitted to Princeton as an international with far less ECs than you and far less awards than that guy from IMO, but she thinks the interview was the most important. So if you want to improve, start writing essays as early as you can and prepare psychologically for the interview.</p>

16

<p>Are there interviews for all international applicants? Do we have to travel to the US?</p>

17

<p>See my advice here, I think it applies to you too.</p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showpost.php?p=4416491&postcount=10%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showpost.php?p=4416491&postcount=10&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

18

<p>vitalism, your research opportunities are so cool.. your Rsi is at MIT?..</p>

19

<p>RSI is at MIT, but I am doing some research on titania nanotubes at Northeastern University...</p>

<p>Btw i just took a look at the Common Application form. There are 7 blanks for ECs... any advice how should I fill them up? (like use 1 blank for science research?)</p>

<p>Thanks! :)</p>

20

<p>Congrats on RSI! I'm already teeming with jealousy and hope that those schools don't compare internationals with nationals!</p>

<p>You must be an academic jewel. Congrats on your accomplishments, and I hope Princeton will give me a chance to meet you next year! :)</p>