Deferred Early Action - Improved - Chances for Regular Decision?

Colleges & Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

So between when I applied in October and now (early March), some things have changed, and I was wondering if anyone has any wisdom to offer about how my admissions chances could be affected. :slight_smile:

I re-took the SAT (which I should have done way sooner because my old score was from junior year), and my score improved from 770CR 620M 690WR to 740CR 680M 770WR (new score-choice score being 2220). I know my math score is still relatively low compared to those admitted at Princeton. but Iā€™m not losing any sleep over it because thatā€™s just an area Iā€™ve always struggled in and I donā€™t stress myself out about stuff like that.
Also, my senior year course load is rigorous - full schedule, all IB classes, all Aā€™s on my mid-year report (except a 91 in AP physics) - would qualify as ā€˜most rigorous curriculum availableā€™ on those things guidance councilors fill out.

I wasnā€™t surprised that I was deferred. There were strengths in my application; legacy connections because both of my parents, my grandpa, and my aunt went to Princeton, I had a pretty strong visual arts supplement, well-written and unique essays relevant to long-term goals related to my desired major (writing is my strength), 3.9 GPA, full IB Diploma program, in top 2% of class, vice-president of a few clubs, did some JV athletics, - but also I havenā€™t cured cancer, Iā€™m honestly not that involved in school (Iā€™d rather paint or read on my own in my free time than head clubs I donā€™t really care about), and havenā€™t really won academic awards and donā€™t have any really eye-catching accomplishments to wave around.
Also, I applied for the neuroscience program, and maybe this is arcane thinking, but I was hoping that being a female and being passionate about science would increase my chances of acceptance - at least more so than if I applied for english or something.

So long story short, I think three of the major factors contributing to the fact that I was deferred were
1)my low SAT math score (has it improved enough to not be a negative factor?)
2)ambiguity about how I would perform with 8 IB/AP level courses (which is now a pro because of the mid-year grades)
3)lack of SAT IIā€™s (I didnā€™t realize that I needed to take these until it was too late)

So, thoughts, relevant experiences, honest judgements?

***side note: iā€™m also very indecisive about this whole college application thing - even if I were to get into Princeton (which Iā€™m not at all expecting, because I know how crazy-low that chances are statistically, but hoping for just because of my natural youthful idealism) I donā€™t know if Iā€™d want to goā€¦Iā€™m afraid that the culture would be sort of toxic and the people would be entirely self-centeredā€¦I just want to be surrounded by ideas and make the most I possibly can of my life - and Iā€™m honestly not sure where college fits into that picture.

Thanks for your time :slight_smile:

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ok seriously someone PLEASE reply i need advice ok

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No one knows really. Itā€™s done now so just try to let go and enjoy your senior year. If you are unsure that you would fit in culture wise, then why are you even obsessing about getting in?

Are SATIIā€™s optional at Princeton? My understanding is that if optional the tests are really only optional for low income students. If not low income, they may wonder why you did not take them.

What are your safeties and other colleges that you applied to?

TBH, I donā€™t see anything that you have mentioned that stands out but I also donā€™t have your entire app and donā€™t know anything about your essays or if with so many legacies your family is prominent and that can be an influential factor.

Is your family pressuring you toward P and expecting an acceptance?

Your last comment appears a little worrisome. Like you havenā€™t given yourself enough time to really let things settle for you. Kind of like youā€™ve just propelled yourself forward without giving yourself time for reflection. Good luck with it all.

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Thanks for the input. I just want to have realistic expectations. My family is actually pressuring me to attend a Christian school where Iā€™d get a full-ride scholarship, but Iā€™m not sure about what sort of school I want to go to yet and I wonā€™t get my responses letters for a little while. Princeton just appeals to me because it seems like the embodiment of intellectual stimulation - which obviously is a bit of a romanticization but I have to combat senioritis somehow, right?

So, as a clarification, what do you mean by ā€œnothing really stands outā€? Do you think Iā€™m not qualified enough, are my stats too low, is the major too competitive, ect? And do you have any personal experience about situations like this?

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I am wondering if the lack of SAT II subject tests hurt your application. You say you are interested in neuroscience - maybe math or science subject tests would have helped demonstrate your potential aptitude for that major.

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Yes, I should have taken some subject tests, and I know thatā€™s got to be a negative factor in my application. I just didnā€™t do enough research early on and got caught up in the busy-ness of senior year.