How can I make myself stand out

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>I'm currently a Junior in Highschool and Princeton currently is my dream school. I'm planning to apply for early action. So here is a little summary about me:</p>

<p>I'm a first generation Asian male child. I'm the first in my family to attend college. I currently have a 3.95 GPA (un-weighted) and I still have no taken my SATs (planning on taking them in May). I'll be honest, SATs are not my strong point because I've always scored around 140-150 on my PSATs. However, I'm going to study really hard and aim for at least a 1800 or 1900. I know those are below Princeton's standards but that's probably the best I can do. Planning on taking SAT II's soon as well and plan on scoring around 700-800 there. I'm also currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma program.</p>

<p>I do tons of EC's such as NHS, National Art Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Drama Club (Lead roles many times and past stage manager), President and founder of our school's Gay-Straight Alliance, past Vice-President of my school's Key Club, current Lt. Governor of my Division's Key Club, and I hold plenty of leadership positions throughout many events in Key Club. </p>

<p>I'm planning on quitting about half of these clubs so I can focus on primarily on the ones that I feel most passionate about. I want to enroll in more leadership training programs and science clubs/outside programs. I plan on majoring in molecular biology and getting into something that deals with environmental sciences. I absolutely love the environment and have done many projects that involve cleaning local areas up. </p>

<p>Hobby wise, my greatest passion is art. I'm always drawing and although I'm too busy to work a job, I do art commissions. I range from all mediums... Charcoal, etching, painting (oil, acryllic, and watercolor), sculpting, digital art, graphic design, etc.</p>

<p>So in a nutshell, I'm your stereotypical Asian... But that's my problem. I do not want to be that stereotype. I know pretty much all the basic crap about good grades, scores, EC's. However, I lack that quality that makes me stand out and I need ideas to do that. Like I said, I love the environment, my goal is to become a leader, art is a passion of mine, and helping others is something I'll always do. I'd really appreciate some ideas :)</p>

2

<p>Okay- your passion is art. What are some artsy things you can do in your community? </p>

<p>Maybe paint a mural for a store? Teach some young kids to paint? Do a public art installation? Graffiti something (legally of course)? Start a gallery website? Maybe do YouTube tutorials for painting?</p>

3

<p>My cousin is a freshman at Harvard this year. Of course she was smart, but she says the thing that set her apart was creating a project where she put her pictures (she was a photographer) on display at a popular local restaurant. She set up a website where people could order prints as well. Half of her revenue went towards charity, and half she kept. She ended up donating thousands of $ to the charity of her choice. The founder of the charity sent her a letter of recognition that she added as part of her application.</p>

<p>So she combined her passion while giving back to the community AND making some spending money. Hope this gives you some ideas.</p>

<p>Sent from my ADR6400L using CC</p>

4

<p>Princeton has an optional art form that you can send along with your application. It can be a good way to demonstrate your talent - you could send a portfolio of some of your most important art works. I sent one because i’m interested in majoring in Architecture, and I had to prepare a portfolio for the other schools I was applying to. </p>

<p>You can download this form at [Princeton</a> University | Downloadable Admission Forms & Publications](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/forms/]Princeton”>http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/forms/)</p>

5

<p>Also, don’t forget that the SAT doesn’t tell everything about yourself. The admissions will look at your grades (and the level of difficulty of your schedule) first. The essays are really important too. I know you won’t be applying before a while, but try to remember this when you will.</p>

6

<p>Yes, Princeton likes top academic scores. But, I think that Princeton really likes strong writers as well as people who have shown a passion for something that can contribute to the world (such as your art and environmental initiatives). I agree with Acrylic and Validity–unleash your creativity and passion in a demonstrable, vibrant way. You sound like a neat person and Pton would appreciate that. Good luck to you!</p>