<p>Hello! I am a rising senior in southern Arizona and I would like to know if there are any chances for me being accepted at Princeton for electrical engineering. Alright, well here are my stats:
SAT:2100
SAT II: Math level 2: 740 Physics: 730 Spanish: 800
GPA: 3.86 UW (expected to be 3.9 by graduation. Also, very strong upward trend.)
Rank: 5/350
EC: Over 250 hours volunteering at local hospital.
Summer neuroscience research at the University of Arizona.
NHS
Tutor elementary school kids in math
Host a "math camp" every summer for underprivileged kids in Mexico
Choir (3 years, regional awards)
Jazz band (1 year)
Varisity cross country (going for 4 years)
Varsity Track (going for 4 years)</p>
<p>Also I am mexican and only my mom has an associates degree here in America. I'm very curious if I could get into any prestigious schools. My dream is to go to princeton but I know that it is very competitive. </p>
<p>Also, are you locked to your major or can you switch? I ask this because I'm may change to physics but I'm not sure. </p>
<p>Thank you for your time!</p>
<p>Why not apply? Yes it is extremely competitive but if you treat it as a reach school there is really no harm in applying. Your stats/EC’s look solid but it’s still a reach even for a very strong applicant. Your application will also need some very strong essays so spend lots of time honing those. After that, I’d encourage you to apply, along with some safety schools. </p>
<p>Switching from BSE to AB first year is really no problem whatsoever and is actually quite common. Switching from AB to BSE is more involved but often still doable with a strong math/physics background. </p>
<p>Thank you so much! I will apply as a reach school. I think I’ll try to retake the SAT’s in October and try to get a higher score. Anything else? Anyone? </p>
<p>As a freshman at Princeton next year who just went through the matriculation process, I can tell you that you can indeed switch majors. Generally, what happens is you apply to BSE, write the extra essay, and if you get accepted and change your mind before school begins, you confirm your change in choice. Then, they’ll accept your switch to AB, notify you, and then hallelujah! So Cantiger just nailed it there. </p>
<p>Your stats are pretty good, but I would recommend retaking the SAT II’s and aiming for 750+ in Math 2 and Physics (which shouldn’t be too hard since you’re almost there already!) if possible, because they do look more closely at those for BSE majors. Over 750 is generally the “safe” spot. As for the SAT, it’s up to you, I heard from my friends and classmates that a 2250+ is advisable since it’s a “safe” spot. But really, your stats are solid IMO, and you do have the added “hook” of being an URM (under-represented minority). Your whole application should tell the story of a driven individual, rather than one who did a smattering of activities for the college apps alone–I think you’re good there since you’re really committed to all of your ECs. </p>
<p>The most important part is nailing the main essay+the additional BSE essay. Make them your own and own it! Have people read over them and check for grammar, but don’t let them change 'em or wash the voice out. Colleges in general want to see who you are through very well-written essays, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be about awards or merits (in fact, they’d rather you leave that in the allotted sections on the CommonApp unless it is completely crucial to your story), it can be about anything that really strikes you. </p>
<p>Overall, think of the application process as a story/journey. What really defines you against the other applicants, and what makes you and your experiences unique and valuable? If you step back and look at it, does it look like a very well meshed portrait of yourself? Or a very patched work? Remember to be yourself and don’t be afraid to let your passions shine through!</p>
<p>Even though Princeton is a reach to almost anyone, do apply, you will never know what happens unless you do!
Good luck! :)</p>