<p>This isn't exactly a chance thread since I am not applying to Princeton yet, but just wondering what kind of chance I could have. </p>
<p>So right now I go to a very good private school, I have 4.0 unweighted for this year and senior year next year, Im taking 4-5 APs senior year(unfortunately the maximum that I can take), Im taking summer courses at a local college this summer, Im doing some volunteer work this summer,hopefully I can get a job where basically id be assisting an engineer this summer(my grandfather knows the man, so probably), my ECs unfortunately are kind of limited because soccer takes up the majority of my time, and Im not sure if Im good enough to be recruited as an athlete(oh and Im captain of the varsity soccer team this year and next), my recommendations would be fantastic(both coming from teachers who are Princeton alumni, if that counts for anything), my essays should hopefully be good, and I have not yet taken the SAT but I assume it will be in the competitive range of 2250+.</p>
<p>See, my problem is that before junior year I was never a very good student. Basically due to family problems, sports, and general immaturity my grades suffered in Freshman and Sophomore year. How would Princeton look at this? Would be just like I would initially assume and I'll be denied without a second thought, or would the admissions office see it as good to see such improvement in a student, and see that I'm very motivated? And I here that GPA from freshman and Sophomore years aren't as important, is that true?</p>
<p>Generally speaking, admissions at the HYP-level are fairly unforgiving. If there is a story to be told, then tell it in one of your essays, in a non-apologetic manner. Best wishes to you in your college search.</p>
<p>Yes, don’t worry I definitely understand that my chance would be very, very, very slim( if anything at all). And yes in regards to the essay that was what I was thinking, thank you. And thanks for the nice words at the end</p>
<p>What do you mean when you say you weren’t a very good student freshman and sophomore years? Do you mean B’s, or were you failing most of your classes?</p>
<p>I slacked off freshman and sophomore year (and by slack I mean I got many many B’s, which killed my chance at valedictorian or even being in the top 10 of my class) due to family problems as well, and I got into Princeton. The key I would say is to write an eloquent, not whiney, essay which encompasses the difficulties/obstacles you endured and how you overcame them without sounding morose. I say this because my friend (who IS a valedictorian and had a perfect resume) wrote a terribly depressing essay cataloging the dozens of terrible things in her life, without recognizing the positives as well, and she got rejected from every Ivy League (incl Princeton). Admissions likes a touching story, not a complaint-filled one. </p>
<p>So don’t give up on Princeton! I was compeltely shocked at my admittance, but I can understand that they’re more focused on the character of the person rather than the high school freshman statistics. Grades are certainly not everything.</p>
<p>Yes, by slacking off I mean around a B average.</p>
<p>Thank you very much Kathryns, that was my plan as well. But it’s very nice to hear someone say they’ve been in my situation and have succeeded, thank you.</p>