<p>Hi! I'm still in early high school, but I just wanted to know how I can start from now to improve my chances of getting into Princeton. </p>
<p>Right now:
4.1 cumulative GPA (4.3 scale)
Design editor for school magazine
Published in school magazine/ had cover art selected (we go through student submissions, the member of the club do not write the magazine)
On Badminton team
Scholastic art and writing regional award (for writing)
Regular volunteer at Girl Scouts
Probably 30-ish community service hours by the end of the year</p>
<p>What else can I get involved in next year/ things I should do?</p>
<p>KaseyAnn: All of that sounds impressive but I would change the way you are thinking about your Princeton quest. You don’t need to compile a whole host of activities. Look within and do what you love to do and are particularly good at, i.e., find your so-called “passion” and develop it not necessarily for the sake of getting into Princeton but because it’s meaningful to you. My two cents? Adcoms will be far more impressed with (and can spot a mile away) a genuine interest and talent in a couple of endeavors than they will be seeing a list of random activities that don’t reflect true depth and sustained commitment and interest.</p>
<p>It sounds like you are into art/design/writing? Keep looking for opportunities (contests, clubs, publication/employment/summer opportunities) that help you develop and showcase those talents. Do you play an instrument or sport well (are you excelling in badminton or just sampling?), or do you study a language or have leadership activities that can round out your main interests? If so, stick with them over the course of HS and obviously try to stand out as among the “best.” All of that will in turn help you stand out among the many other qualified students who will be applying to highly competitive schools like Princeton. Good luck to you. It’s wise to be thinking early - just stay true to yourself. As cliche as that might sound (and, yes, there are many other factors at play) I am convinced that this does matter in the admissions game.</p>