Possible Candidate?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>I recently visited the campus of Princeton and completely fell in love. The students seemed so invested in learning, and they really seemed to enjoy their school. I'm just a bit worried because very few people from my small town public school have ever made it into ivy leagues. I was wondering if anyone could give my credentials a quick run through and let me know if I've got any potential? </p>

<p>I'm a sophomore with a GPA around 4.3, because I take weight honors classes. Last year I was 22nd in my class, but after the first semester this year my rank jumped to 13th. I figured that as this rate, I should have a strong rank by the end of senior year. (Many students are dropping out of weighted classes because they can't handle the work.)</p>

<p>I'm undergoing the process of apply for NHS, with a strong possibility of making it in (I was in NJHS). </p>

<p>I've been a girl scout since the third grade, through which I have volunteered at the food bank, elderly home and local conservancy. I also spent two years in 4H working with horses and children on community service projects. </p>

<p>I'm in marching band and concert band, where I am currently 3rd chair French Horn. </p>

<p>I am also on the Debate Team, where I have served as an A Team Rebuttalist and Semi-finalist questioner/Rebuttalist.</p>

<p>In addition, I was selected as a student leader for the international Flat Classroom Project (where I scored 2nd place in overall competition), and I was school champion/regional finalist for the nationally recognized Poetry Outloud Competition. My other major award was Regional Champion/State Finalist for Odyssey of the Mind. </p>

<p>I have yet to take and SAT or ACT test, but my project score based on PLAN was a 32-35. I was also in the 99th percentile for overal PSAT but a lot of kids I know were as well.</p>

<p>I plan on taking AP classes in US History, Biology, English, and Calc during the next two years (these are really the only ones offered at my school). However, my school does not offer an AP French class. I started with French 2, so I will only have 3 years of french (2-4) on my high school transcript. Would admissions look down upon this?</p>

<p>I'm a bit worried that I lack strength in sports/work experience (I do more community service than paid work)? Does this also have a possibility of hampering my application?</p>

2

<p>Nope. You are fine. Just do what you love, don’t kill yourself, and keep a positive outlook. </p>

<p>If anybody puts this girl down, I’m hunting them down. You worry too much, because your profile is fine. Now, time to start working on yourself. Princeton likes maturity and world vision, which are much more important than any SAT or AP score. So go do that.</p>

3

<p>Don’t worry about the language. I had the exact same question when I toured campus. They just want to see that you have it. It’s more important that you take advantage of the hardest classes offered and do well. </p>

<p>In my opinion, community service looks just as good, if not better, than actual work. You are showing the admissions board that you are involved in your community and like to help others. Extra points if you volunteer with the same organization(s) on a continual basis. They may write you a recommendation letter! </p>

<p>The most important qualities to get into a school like Princeton is passion and uniqueness. What do you bring to the table that makes you stand out among the other thousands of applicants? Practice your writing, because your essays are a major consideration. They want to hear your voice and see that you will bring a love of whatever you do. </p>

<p>Do remember, however, that it really is a crapshoot. Even people who do everything right don’t get in, and there are some people who get in and us outside of the admissions process think, “Why? What did they see in him?” It sounds like you are very bright and it’s a good sign that you are already looking at colleges. Wherever you end up attending, you will thrive.</p>

4

<p>For what it’s worth, I have never held a job in my life and my only sports experience is recreational soccer and baseball.</p>

<p>And I got in. Don’t stress about that part. (Community service >>> paid work)</p>

5

<p>Thanks everyone! I’ll keep up the community service and worry less about working a job now!</p>

6

<p>The only thing that worries me - you said you are 22nd in your class. What kind of school and what class size. Princeton usually will take 1-2 from any school and if there are other higher ranked candidates (with equally super ECs and test scores), they may get preference. So keep up with the challenging courses next year and maintain high grades.</p>

<p>Ok …read your post again…So that is good you are expecting to come up in your rank. Also while people here say…show your passion, I also think the history of your school sending folks to Princeton will be a factor. At least it is, in our school. Only 1 every other year gets to Princeton…this is a large public, very competitive high school in the west. More seem to get into Columbia/Upenn/Stanford etc.</p>

7

<p>Hi! Your profile looks absolutely fine. I also came from a public school which had NEVER sent anyone to Princeton before. Honestly, I think that that helped me.</p>

<p>You definitely have potential. Keep in mind that it’s a crapshoot at places like Princeton, but don’t stress out about it. :)</p>