Chances at Princeton?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>GPA (Weighted): 4.548
GPA (Unweighted): 3.95</p>

<p>Rank: 2/645</p>

<p>Test Scores/Classes:
-SAT: 2270 (740 Rdg, 760 Math, 770 Wrtg)-Considering retake
-ACT: 33 Composite (same score for 2 sittings)
-AP (so far): Calc BC (5), US History (5), English Lang (5), European History (5), Spanish Lang (4)
-SAT Subjects: I haven’t taken them yet, but on diagnostic tests from study books (with no prior studying): USH 790, Spanish 770, Math lvl2 800, Physics 780
-11th Grade: AP Calc BC, AP English Lang, AP Spanish, APUSH, Honors Physics, Wind Ensemble
-12th Grade: Calculus III (Multivariable calc through U of Illinois), AP Gov’t, AP English Lit, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, Wind Ensemble</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
-Marching Band (all 4 years): Member of Drumline, have won numerous section awards at various state competitions
-Youth & Government: Attorney (10, 11,12)-State awards 2 years running, including best Oral Argument, 2nd best Legal Brief, and 2nd best Case overall
-Percussion Ensemble (all 4 years): Numerous leadership tasks including designing our annual concert
-Church Youth Group (all 4 years): Play drumset in weekly worship band (also frequently tasked with organizing weekend worship), Member of both Leadership Board and Missions Trip Fundraising Committee</p>

<p>Volunteer/Community Service Work:
-About 75 hours tutoring underpriveleged, struggling kids at the elementary school level (through both church and other volunteer opportunities)
-Percussion/Drumset Lessons to Middle School students (about 20-30 hours)
-Volunteer work at Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry (20 hours, will be closer to 50 at application time)
-Missions trips through church involving VBS programs in downtown Chicago, various repair and outreach ministries in Nashville, TN</p>

<p>Awards/Honors:
-Probable National Merit Scholar (with a PSAT score of 220 and SAT of 2270)
-Selected for 2010 IMEA District IX Honor Orchestra (as a percussionist)
-Received “Best of Day” awards for solo work in solo & ensemble contests both Soph. and Jr. years, also selected for 2010 District Honors Recital (one of 15 or so students out of approximately 600-700)
-Began playing percussion in 8th grade, was accepted into school’s top ensemble (in a Grammy-award-winning music program) Sophomore year</p>

<p>Recommendations: Two letters, one from my APUSH teacher (the only one I’ve received; it’s wonderful) and one from my Honors Precalc/BC Calc teacher (who has known me as a student for over 2 years now).</p>

<p>Personally I think the academic side of my resume is strong, but I think my extracurriculars/volunteer services portion is middling. Please let me know how I stack up. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>

I agree. Overall, you are a strong applicant in what will be a sea of strong applicants. It could go either way.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Unless you write remarkable essays, I wouldn’t expect much.</p>

4

<p>Justification? ^</p>

<p>I see nothing wrong, definitely worth applying to top schools.</p>

5

<p>at these schools its not about having anything “wrong,” it is about standing out. I don’t see anything special, just regular academics and standard ECs.</p>

6

<p>you’re in the range of admitted. should apply.</p>

7

<p>I think in your case essays can really tip the scale. Your are strong academically, though your SAT could be higher, and you have an interesting EC (drumline). The combination of a strong academic record coupled with an interesting, lively essay about an interest and talent that is not academic could really set you apart.</p>

<p>Admittedly, I know nothing about drumlines, but I’m intrigued-- and I think that you want the AD Coms to be as well.</p>

8

<p>I am indeed strongly considering an SAT retake (probably the December test?) for my RD/RA schools, and I’m thinking about the ACT as well. It may not be entirely necessary, but if i CAN get a better score, I think it’d definitely give a better foothold.</p>

9

<p>We are very similar in stats, and I too am applying to Princeton. If you feel like you can bump up your SAT, and you don’t mind doing so (the test can be quite painful), I suggest you study well and go for it. Your current SAT score doesn’t seem like one that will hurt you, though, it just wont help you as much as something closer to a 2400. </p>

<p>I suggest spending your time between now and admissions writing essays and studying for your subject tests. Emphasize your passions; it seems music is a big one for you (as it is for me as well). You’ve done almost all you can academically you can so far, so focus on the more qualitative portions of your essay. I think you have as good a chance as anybody!</p>