help! sophomore..chances pls :)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>Hi I am an international student from china (just so u know)</p>

<p>okay, so I want to go to princeton and my prospective major is architecture/civil engineering.
What do you think my chances are? Please be honest. Oh and pls also leave any comments as to how I could improve my chances. Thanks!</p>

<p>GPA: 3.9/4.0 ish. unweighted. am taking 4 ap classes now but i don't know how that counts.</p>

<p>iBT TOEFL:114 but have to take it again. ill probably score higher if i don't start chuckling again during the speaking section.</p>

<p>SAT I: haven't taken yet but considering the model tests score and PSAT score I'll probably get...
CR: 750 or higher
Math: 800
Writing: 790-800
Total: 2340 or up
SAT subject tests:
Math Level 2: 800
Biology: planning to take, expected score 750-800
Chinese: planning to take, expected score 750-800</p>

<p>APs: (the results aren't out yet)
Calculus: 5 (expected)
U.S.History: 5 (expected)
Chemistry: 4-5 (expected)
Macro: 5 (expected)
Micro: 4-5 (expected)</p>

<p>in my junior year im planning to take
physics B
physics C: E&M
physics C: M
English language
maybe studio art..?</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities:
- preparing a portfolio which I think is a really important component of my application when applying for school of architecture.
1. Habitat for Humanity: (10, 11, 12) founder & president. fundraising events. got recognized as an official habitat club (CCYP)
2. volunteer teaching: (10,11,12) been teaching at a nearby community center for disadvantaged kids. it's not a club yet but im thinking of making one with my friends who also teach there.
3. environment club: (9,10,11,12) member. lots of activities. featured in several newspapers
school orchestra: played trumbone. next year i might be a part leader. weekly concert at community relief center, got awards in school talent show, umm. lots of awards.
4. student council: (9,10,?) student representative.
5. science club: (10,11,12) wrote articles.
6. Lacrosse: (10,11,12) several awards in national tournaments
7. HSK (Chinese proficiency test) - level 4</p>

<p>Awards:
1. high honor rolls (all A's) in 9th grade. but i moved to a new school in 10th grade and they don't give any honor rolls.
2. school english language exam: several awards - mostly 3rd place..ish
3. school chinese language exam: 4th place.
4. high school mathematics modeling competition (HiMCM): honorable mention
5. several lacrosse awards</p>

<p>yup, that's about it. aww now that i write it i realize that my club activities are a weee bit weak, lacking in leadership positions. :(
but anyways please tell me what you think my chances are, and also how I can improve my chances.
just to recap, I am...
- an asian (probably a disadvantage),
- a rising junior (one and a half yrs till early decision/action)
- intending to major in architecture/civil engineering (preparing a portfolio and im confident ill do reasonably well)</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Hey, I’d be glad to try and help you out. Your grades and potential scores all sound great. Definitely enough to get you seriously considered by the admissions committee. And while leadership is important, don’t worry so much, because I don’t think they would be impressed if you spread yourself so thin that you’re not dedicated to any one particular thing. But yes, still try to become a leader in a few of your favorite activities.</p>

<p>Beyond great stats, it’s also really important that you find a “hook” - something unique about you that makes you seem more tangible to the adcoms, something that makes you stand out among all other applicants. You seem really passionate about architecture, so maybe your personal essay can have something to do with that (either directly or indirectly). Maybe a story of how your passion for architecture originated. Sending a portfolio sounds like a great idea. Also, recommendations are important. And if there’s a particular club or activity you’re very involved in, you can even send in an extra recommendation from the club’s faculty advisor. If you’re really interested in architecture, maybe you can find an internship for the summer. good luck!</p>

3

<p>Wow thank you so much for such a detailed reply ! Yes I will try to show my sincere passion for architecture through all means possible.</p>

4

<p>I agree with what’s been said.</p>

<p>Stats definitely great, but keep in mind they’ll only get you so far. the “hook” is extremely important, as is the personal essay. I’d say what you can do is find a great “hook” (mine were arts supplements (DVD and CD) in ballet and piano and resumes to back them up) and make sure you write a great essay.</p>

<p>I notice you are founder and president of “Habitat for Humanity,” which will def help. Maybe you could become president of “Environment club” too? They don’t care so much about volume of ECs, but rather quality, which includes leadership.</p>

<p>While being an asian might not help, it won’t stop you from getting in; I’m a white Jew from the east coast and I still made it! One thing I’ve noticed about the people at Princeton is that they are all brilliant, passionate about their major, and really interested or even passionate about at least one EC. So, I advise making sure your passion for whatever you do comes across in your application.</p>

<p>Lastly, apply to some other top tier schools (like the rest of the Ivies, etc). The admissions process at this level can be a little random so it can’t hurt to have multiple options (I got wait-listed at Cornell, Wash U, and Conn College if that gives you any idea).</p>