My legacy won't help me...right?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>I want to go to Princeton, of course. And I'm a legacy. My numbers are so bad, though, that I don't think I'll get in no matter what. I'm going to apply regardless, just because I love the school so much. I was wondering if you could not chance me...but tell me if it is even feasible for me to get in?</p>

<p>Rising senior.</p>

<p>Not submitting SAT (2050 over three sittings: 710 CR, 670 math, 670 writing for those interested. However, my first sitting was a 1670. Even with score choice I feel that my ACT is stronger.)
ACT: 31
Sat II Chem: 700 (Probably will submit)
SAT II Math II: Predicted 700.</p>

<p>Rank 17/568
4.0 UW GPA</p>

<p>AP Chem: 4 (I know; one AP and I got a 4. Now all of you probably think I'm an idiot. If it matters at all, I really wanted to take three-four, but my parents wouldn't let me).
Senior year: AP Lit, AP Stat, AP Calc AB, Physics Honors, Spanish III</p>

<p>EC:
Varsity swimming grade 9-10 (with letter)
Academic team grade 10-12 (co-captain)
Math Honor Society grade 10-12 (president)
Mu Alpha Theta Math Team 10-12 (president)
NHS (11-12)
FIRST Robotics grade 11-12 (3rd in state; officer)</p>

<p>Great essays and recs.</p>

<p>100+ service hours. Tutoring math weekly as well as mentoring children.
Summer job in grade 9 of camp counselor.</p>

<p>Economics major.</p>

<p>P.S. This forum scares me. There are such higher scores and things. Do you guys get any recognition in real life? On these forums people just seem to be either elitist of think nothing or their 2300's.</p>

2

<p>You have a decent shot!</p>

3

<p>no, I’m afraid you don’t have a decent shot. you really don’t have much of one at all.</p>

<p>no, you’re not an idiot. you’re just not princeton material. neither was I. it’s all good.</p>

4

<p>Legacy is HUGE at Princeton (while not so much at Stanford and not at all at CalTech). It certainly off-sets a multitude of sins…definitely apply.</p>

5

<p>I would say apply, but be realistic. Legacies are the highest performing of all the “hooked” applicants. </p>

<p>My son, who was accepted to this fall’s class is a legacy. His SAT score was 2360 (one sitting) and his GPA was about 3.9 and had many interesting ECs. I am sure not all legacy applicants who are accepted have these sort of stats, but I suspect most are pretty talented.</p>

<p>So will it help? Of course. Will it help enough? Who knows. The school is pretty tight lipped about this particular group of applicants. </p>

<p>Good luck though.</p>

6

<p>The acceptance rate for legacies is high, but most of them have high stats to begin with, like soomoo said. I think have a shot, though.</p>

7

<p>Well, I guess I’m not the kind of material a Princeton legacy is supposed to be : (. Thanks for the advice so far. I will apply with hope.</p>

8

<p>You’re fine, don’t worry.</p>