Honestly, do you think I can get into Princeton University?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hey! I’m a junior, and I go to a private school. Every year about 1 student from my school gets in to Princeton. Here are my stats:
-GPA: 4.3 (weighted-my school doesn’t do unweighted)
-My school doesn’t rank.
-I got a perfect score on the ACT.
-I’m planning to take SAT II in bio, us history, and math II.
-I’m planning to take the AP statistics, comp sci, and us history exams (and maybe more)

Extra curricular activities:
-Head of robotics team
-Head of political club (based around volunteering and activism)
-Head of set crew
-Varsity swimming (I went to the jr. olympics for it)
-Theatrical group (in addition to set crew, I’m in the shows)
-Mock trial competitive team
-I tutor a few middle schoolers in math

Recommendations:
-My robotics mentor will definitely write me a great one. I also have him for engineering class, and he calls me one of his children because I spend every free minute of my life in the robotics lab. His actual kids are also on the team, and we usually end up staying in the lab until like midnight on Saturdays, so I just sleep over at their house haha.
-My AP US history teacher, who is also the advisor of political club. I’m top of that class, and he likes me a lot I think.

Classes:
-Junior year: Pre-BC Calc Honors, Latin 4 Honors, English Honors, Bio Honors, AP US History, AP Stat, Engineering II Honors, Mechatronics 301
-Senior year: AP BC-Calc, Latin 5 Honors, AP English, AP Physics, AP Computer Science, AP US gov, Engineering III honors, and another semester elective (I’m not sure what yet)

Other stuff:
-I designed and built my own hoverboard, which works and is powered by an air turbine.
-I’m building a plane and leading a group of students who want to help.
-I went on a service trip to Panama, which was really fun
-I won first place in a science fair freshman year, second place sophomore year, and I’m entering again this year
-I’m working in a lab doing cancer research this upcoming spring.

I really want to go to Princeton for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. What do you think are my chances of getting in? All replies are appreciated! Thank you so much!

2

If you’re really good at swimming, contact the Princeton coaches! Being a recruited athlete is a major hook!

3

Dang! I’d admit you. When do you sleep? I got tired just reading your ECs. :slight_smile:

4

You seem pretty exceptional, so apply and tour several places to make sure Princeton’s small engineering department is what you want. UPenn, MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Cornell and some ordinary mortal schools too (if only 5% get in, your odds are not over 50% regardless of your talents). If money is a factor, look for merit scholarships in the top 40 schools. Robotics, hoverboard, and plane are great engineering hooks and show interest and talent.

5

@sansculottes I would; it’s just that I’m not sure what level I actually want to swim at in college. Thanks so much for the advice though!!

6

@AboutTheSame Haha I don’t sleep. And thanks, I appreciate it!!

7

You seem pretty qualified, but like the above poster said, Princeton isn’t exactly known for it’s engineering program. Consider other options, especially if engineering is your main interest. There are tons of GREAT schools that have amazing engineering programs.

8

@PickOne1 Thank you! I have, and I really loved Princeton’s campus, engineering program, and town, and I felt like I could see myself at home there. I definitely will keep my mind open though, and I do also love some of the schools you listed. (I haven’t seen a few yet though). Thanks a lot for the advice!!

9

@pupscotch Okay, I will think about what you said. I also just loved the general culture of the school, and I’interested in political science as well. Thank you so much for your advice!!