In essence, I have encountered inconsistencies regarding the requirements to be admitted into Princeton as an international student (in this case, the from the UK) from several sources, mainly pertaining to whether or not Princeton cares about the A level grades or only SAT grades, the individual’s impressive application, etc.
One claims an international student being accepted into Princeton depends on SAT scores (nigh 2400, etc) and an impressive portfolio of extra curriculum activities, etc. that makes one stand out and thereby ticking the boxes for what they look for in individuals so they can be sure you’re a good investment, will contribute to the community and so on. As a result of this, they do not care/ask about your GCSEs or A evels though require whatever grades you obtain to not be drastically lower than what you expected (if it was an A, they’ll be put off by a B. If it was a B, a C will put them off). This was however an anecdotal account, though a fairly recent one from this year.
Other, older claims cite that they care very much about A-levels like Oxford and Cambridge and UK institutions… or at the very least are secondary to SATs and the personal achievements, etc. so if you have less than grand A level grades (lower than A*AA for example), your chances are extremely slim, even if you get a near perfect SAT score and have an impressive application (i.e. a prominent athlete in the community with an array of awards and recognition for your work towards the club itself, leadership roles and well constructed essays for example).
I’m sure these type of threads appear frequently to pester you all, though I cannot find an exact, consistent layout of what is required to get admitted from an international student and, importantly, if they give a fig about your A level grades. Do they care about A-levels or not? I can find no consistency in that matter. Is it merely SATs and you as an individual impressing them with your skills and pursuits? Does AP or SAT subject tests matter?
Any help would be very much appreciated and you provide some much needed clarity with how I choose to proceed.
Any perceived inconsistencies are probably due to asking the wrong people; I doubt that Princeton admissions is giving contradictory info although past applicants may.
Assuming that you are still in school and not applying during a gap year, Princeton (and every other US college) will make its admissions decisions before you have even sat for your A-level exams. Unlike British unis, colleges here do not issue conditional acceptances. Having said that, if your actual results differ dramatically from your predicted results, Princeton can rescind your offer. And by dramatic, I do not mean a B vs a predicted A.
Since you are British, or at least applying from the UK, you do not need TOEFL. Other than that, there is no difference in what a UK student requires vs. an American student. SAT (or ACT) scores are key because they are standardized, while US HS curriculum is not. SAT subject tests are recommended, but not required. Interpret that as you see fit, but my recommendation is that your preparation in the UK system will fully prepare you to do well on two subject tests, so take them. AP tests carry little to no weight in the admissions process. While strong scores will validate course rigor, for the most part, AP scores are only used for placement and/or credit. AP courses help establish course rigor, but if they are not available, it is not held against you.
Unlike UK unis and many US colleges, Princeton practices holistic admissions. If there is a magic formula, it is not made available to the general public. They look at your HS performance/SAT (or ACT) scores/recs/EC’s/essays. Each plays a role in the admissions process. Princeton, like most tippy top colleges in the US, receives applications from many people who are academically qualified and yet are denied admission. As I said before, none of us is privy to what Princeton is looking for in a particular class, so all you can do is apply. Good luck!!
Thank you very much. Very helpful information and shall indeed make matters much easier for me. I feel awkward writing so little in this response. My failure to articulate my gratitude beyond a few sentences. Still, tremendous help, thank you!