Do I even have a remote chance at Princeton?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>Hi all!</p>

<p>I'm a sophomore at a highly competitive school in New Jersey. I took the SAT II Math IC and IIC in middle school, and got a 770 and an 800 on them, respectively. I also took the
SAT I test in the 8th grade an got a 2200. Freshman year, I had one of the heaviest course-loads in my grade, taking Honors Precalculus, Honors Biology, and Honors Chemistry, while taking Honors wherever I could. However, I ended freshman year miserably, with a 3.51 UW/ 4.11 W. Being a glutton for punishment, I skipped AP Calculus BC over the summer, taking Honors Multivariable Calculus sophomore year, as well as AP Biology, Honors Physics, and a bunch of other Honors classes. I am probably going to get a B in AP Biology, and I might also get one in Honors Physics.
I am a tournament-level chess player, with a USCF rating of about 1520. I have been playing chess all my life. I received a gold medal at the NJ Science Olympiad state tournament. I was also part of the team that placed 1st there. I am an avid participant in my science and math clubs, having done well in Mandelbrot, AMC and PUMAC (Princeton University Math Competition). Is there anything at all that can be done? I project my GPA will be at around a 3.7 by the start of junior year. My weighted GPA will be much higher, though not outstanding. Do I need a reality check?</p>

2

<p>Um, guys? …</p>

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<p>Err, I’m totally ignorant about these matters, but it seems like anyone with below a 3.75 would need a reality check, and I think Princeton’s focused on mainly Academic achievements, but here’s a thought: Brown likes “interesting and outstanding students”, as well as Penn, and your chess pathway certainly conforms to that phrase, so you never know, try Brown or Penn. But by all means, don’t let me, an ignorant fool, come between you and your drean school. Applying certainly won’t hurt. Best wishes!</p>

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<p>depends on ur rank, our valedictorian had a 3.83 g.p.a U.W out of a class of 800</p>

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<p>Thanks for the input, guys! It’s kind of frustrating, because I live in Princeton; I am literally 1 or 2 miles away from the university, and its a persistent reminder of my mediocrity. I was just kind of afraid that my GPA will the end of me. Is that necessarily true? Is there anything I can do to compensate for it?</p>

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<p>What’s your rank?</p>

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<p>I am a sophomore, and my school doesn’t officially rank. However, I would estimate that I am in the top decile. I am pretty sure I will be in the top 5% by the end of junior year.</p>

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<p>you have quite a good chance, don’t worry too much about it. I was jusst at princeton’s admissions information session and they seemed to emphasize that they look for upwards trends. Ideally, you would be consistent at a high level, but i think an upwards trends is the next best thing. The next thing you really have going for you is that you’re taking the hardest courses as you possible can, taking advantage of everything that the school is offering you. Next year, try to get all A’s and you’ll be fine. Maybe you wont get early admissions, but you’ll definitely have a solid shot at regular. i’m in a similar boat. I took multivariable and linear algebra as a junior and have amassed a total of 10 ap classes so far and am taking a full course load at the local state school next year. although I do have a couple B’s here and there(two? three?) I sure hope I’ll be fine!</p>

<p>good luck (we’ll both need it!!!)!</p>

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<p>@bugattiveyron253 </p>

<p>SAT II Math IC and IIC were last offered by the College Board in 2005. You’re now a sophomore. Did you take these tests when you were in 5th grade? If so, those are impressive scores for a ten year old.</p>

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<p>Even for a freshman in high school those scores are good; even for a senior they are good scores.</p>

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<p>@sherpa,</p>

<p>I was in the 8th grade when I took the IIC and the 7th grade when I took the IC. Are you sure you’ve got your facts right?</p>

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<p>^ yes, I’m quite sure. I expect you took Math Level 1 and Math Level 2. As I said, Math IC and IIC were last offered in 2005.</p>

<p>Are you sure you have your facts right?</p>

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<p>So he made a mistake in the names of the subject tests he took… wow you’re really going to comment on that? They’re essentially the same, no one cares. </p>

<p>To OP: No one can predict even a Junior’s or a Senior’s chances, let alone a Sophomore’s. Work hard, get your GPA up and apply as a Senior. Whatever happens, happens.</p>

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<p>Apply fall of senior year and see what happens. Stop thinking you’re mediocre, you’re probably one of the best students in your entire school, act like it please.</p>

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<p>Lol, WWPHS…south?</p>

<p>Anyway, you obviously have a chance.</p>

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<p>@morpheus44</p>

<p>Why, yes! How on Earth did you guess?</p>

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<p>It’s kind of amazing how close were are to Princeton. 3 of my teachers are Pton alums. 15 ppl in the senior class got admitted.</p>

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<p>Dude. Save your money. Don’t apply. You don’t stand a chance.</p>

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<p>Uhhhhhhhhhhhh</p>

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<p>Hello everyone! I am new here - but let me answer your question … as far as i know it is a great school that you want get in… and You should have no problem with all your scores… even if there is a huge competition in there … Let me know if you heve other questions… Good luck and Congratulation in choosing great college…</p>