Could I get into Princeton or UChicago?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hey y’all, as someone who **** these forums in a fairly-obsessive way, I know how annoying and “braggy” these can be, but I genuinely want to know what others think my chances are of getting into either Princeton or UChicago (they’re my dream schools).

Currently, I’m pursuing my IB Diploma. My school has extremely challenging and rigorous coursework. I am choosing to withhold my freshmen and sophomore AP test scores however, as I did not take them seriously and got 3’s on the two I took.

I currently have a 3.9 GPA UW, and God knows what my weighted one is but I know it’s pretty high just because all kids at my school are required to take AP’s a underclassmen, and I’ve chosen a “full IB/AP” course load for this year. I won’t list them all, but I took (both semesters) three freshman year, three sophomore year, seven junior year, and plan on taking six senior year.

I haven’t taken my SAT yet, but on the PSAT I received a 1300/1520 (99th percentile English, 92nd percentile math). I know these aren’t great but I’ve been self-studying kinda rigorously, and attending prep classes on the weekend.

I think I can get pretty good recs from my English and Theatre teachers.

Outside of school, I think is my biggest strength, but I’m worried they will come across as shallow and might not have as much value to admission officers as they do to me. I am the president and editor-in-chief of my school’s newspaper club, as well as the vice-president of my school’s drama club. What I value the most is that I was picked to do a paid internship at my state’s local NPR affiliate, where I created stories that were near and dear to my heart, and met a whole bunch of super inspiring and passionate journalists. I am currently in the process of applying to another job there in partnership with the local university. I also do theatre, and have been in both school and community theatre, as well as qualified for nationals in my state. As for this summer, I plan to get a job and save up, as well as attend the school of New York Times in Washington DC.

IDK, I know where you go isn’t supposed to make or break you, but these schools have been the face of what I’ve worked for over the past three years, so I want to know if it HONESTLY was all in vain (I can take criticism lol).

AnYwAys if you read all that, I know the internet forums like this aren’t SUPER trustworthy, but it would be nice to get some honest feedback on what I can do in my last couple of semesters in high school to put the cherry on top of my application.

Thanks

2

I also did Varsity Dance team for two years, and HOSA, but when I figured out I liked journalism and theatre more, I quit to excel in those areas rather than be mediocre at both lol.

3

If you absolutely love Princeton and UChicago, and you can afford them (run NPC to check), I would suggest applying early to one of them if you can establish one as your #1. Chicago’s ED rounds are binding, but Princeton’s SCEA is not.

You stand a better chance of getting into either school if you apply early – Princeton’s SCEA rate is around 15%, while their RD rate is about 4%, while Chicago’s ED1 is probably about 16-17%, while RD is about 2.5-3%. I imagine their ED2 round is not as generous as ED1, but you’d still have better chances than RD.

Regardless of when you applied, both would still be reaches. Have you identified some affordable matches and at least one safety?

4

I agree with perhaps doing ED to Chicago or SCEA to Princeton. I would need to see your full test scores to make a decision, but you can definitely do well. I got a 1280 on the PSAT sophomore year and ended up with a 35 + 1540. Aim for anything 34+ or 1530+ and you will be fine. 3.9 GPA is fine. STUDY for AP Exams this year because you should self report them.

Otherwise, I do like your EC’s. Build relationships with junior year teachers to get solid recs, write good essays, and you have a shot.

Work hard from now until application season. You still have a chance, but to get into one of these schools you will need to be very dedicated.

5

I would disagree on the point that ED gives you a better chance of getting in. Yes, the acceptance rate is higher, but so is the quality of candidates. These are people who chose this school as their #1 choice, and can afford it if they get in. Definitely apply if you are sure, but not under the impression that you will have an advantage.

6

UChicago went test optional this year. They also have an ED2 round. So what a lot of people do is apply for a SCEA school during the first ED round, and then if deferred, switch to ED2 Chicago.