Thanks in advance for taking the time to read through this post (I think I included too many details, but better too many than too little I hope). I’m planning to major in either chemical or mechanical engineering. I realize that everyone’s chances at these schools are uncertain, but I just wanted to see if I’m realistically even in the running.
ACADEMICS:
3.91 GPA
2200 SAT (I was thinking of retaking this; it would be my third try)
800 Math II 800 Chem 800 Physics
IB predicted 42/45
6 in Math HL
6 in English HL
7 in Chem HL
7 in Econ SL
7 in Spanish SL
7 in Physics SL
AWARDS:
several small Scholastic Art & Writing awards
Foyle Young Poets award
Presidental Award for Education for two years (I know this doesn’t really count)
several departmental school awards
ECs:
Doctors’ Club (even though I don’t want to be a doctor; I did mostly fundraising through this club) (3 years)
NHS (2 years)
Literary Magazine (4 years, president for two years)
started arts & crafts classes for elementary children
started art & writing competition for elementary children
expanded arts & crafts to children in cancer hospital
lead disease awareness campaigns (combining both NHS and Doctors’ Club)
don’t know if this counts, but I can speak five languages, two of them self-taught
WORK/ INTERNSHIPS:
marketing internship (completely random, probably won’t include in application)
BASIC INFO:
female
living in Middle East but American citizen (so there are very, very few job opportunities for women without having high-up connections, and not even then)
upper-middle class
no hooks, basically
Any suggestions on how I can strengthen my application over the summer are more than welcome (one thing I know I need to work on is my dearth of STEM ECs).
You at clearly at the point where you have a decent chance, you have the qualifications, but so do many other people. Write good essays, maybe do early action if you’re very set on Princeton, and good luck!
What’s your def’n of an “okay” chance? You’re viable – congrats on your achievements to date. I certainly wouldn’t say you’re wasting your time/effort/fee to apply – but also know that 95% of people who eventually hit the “submit” button get rejected. Some will be accepted with lesser stats than you. Some with higher. Many of those 95% will look JUST LIKE YOU.
If you’re cognizant of that fact, then by all means, apply to PTon and others. Best of luck to you!
As you already know, in a perfect world your SAT would be higher but scoring 800 on three, very difficult subject tests compensates quite a bit. I am more impressed by three 800 subject tests thsn I would have been by 2300 on the SAT. My reaction in reading your profile was “what does she want to become?” Exceptional talent or a sharp focus on one skill or interest can help. I think you have a good chance. Strike up a dialog with your admissions officer and make sure your application is tailored to highlight what you will bring to princeton and the fact that you will take advantage of all it has to offer. If you can afford an admissions consultant use one to review your application
Also, it sounds like your life experience (living abroad) is rather unique. Write about whatever you want, but include your own interesting perspectives. Your essays are really the only thing that can set you apart and ultimately get you in.
