Princeton Chances

Colleges & Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>Going for the class of 2012...</p>

<p>White male, North Carolina, competitive public school
Need-Based Financial Aid: Yes
Income: ~$25-28K</p>

<p>Unweighted GPA: 3.92
Weighted GPA: 4.76
Rank: ~14/400-ish</p>

<p>SAT1: 650M/650CR/730W
SATII: 760MathII, 750US, 750 World</p>

<p>Leadership: Co-founder of Debate Club, President of Chess, German, Democrats
Other EC: Tutor immigrant children in English weekly, Nationally ranked in Chess, ~100 Hours by the time I apply, Service Club, Tutor PreCalc, NHS...</p>

<p>*I've held the same job for 2.5 years now (20 hours a week), and I help support my family in this way; boss loves me and offers to write me a recommendation every time we speak. It would be a fantastic rec too because I am a model employee and am often used to train the newcomers.
*Recommendations should be very good, my GC has known me for about 11 years and my teachers like me rather well...
*I've started my essay about growing up poor and overcoming adversity...don't know if this is a good choice, someone guide me in the right direction</p>

<p>Possible Hooks: First Generation, Trilingual (Ukrainian, Russian, English, and coming very close with German), Poor, born in the Ukraine (citizen of the US), single-parent home, hefty amount of work experience</p>

<p>If Princeton has a "why Princeton" type of thing, I'd love to commend them on the suppression of the ED system. I love Princeton and I feel this is a once in a lifetime chance, being that this is the first year of only RD. Finally, those of us who cannot apply ED due to financial reasons can be reviewed in the same way.</p>

<p>I guess that's all I have for you. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Your income and financial responsibility certainly compensate for your below (princeton average) scores, but there unfortunately you don't have anything special with your ECs. I don't see you getting accepted unless you 'tug on their heart strings.' IMHO</p>

<p>There is not a why Princeton essay, but they give you room for additional info. I'd think one or two sentences commending them would be fine.</p>

3

<p>Hmm...probably an ignorant question on my part, but what is exactly considered "special" when it comes to ECs? Not everyone can do Siemens...</p>

4

<p>you need to have more competitive grades(SAT wise) and challenging courses(Ap courses). As much as they would consider you an outstanding applicant given your life circumstances, they would want to make sure you can handle the rigors of a Princeton education before admitting you.</p>

5

<p>No, not everyone can do siemens. They don't want everyone to do math/science competitions. They want your ECs to be directed at a passion that you excell at a level more competitive than your region or school.</p>

6

<p>I think being the chess-club president is a pretty interesting EC, and I think it'll help you that you've done really well at a steady job (demonstrates responsibility and maturity) and that you still find time for tutoring.<br>
If you want my opinion, an essay about overcoming adversity and poverty has to be really special or it'll sound cheesy. I would pick a very specific angle to write about. Since you're trilingual (and I'm assuming you speak Ukranian at home?) and you tutor other immigrant children to learn English, you have a really good starting point to write a stellar essay with a narrow focus. Maybe something about how your experience learning and teaching English has shaped your understanding or worldview, or something along those lines. Good luck!</p>

7

<p>I should have probably mentioned that I took 3 APs junior year and taking 5 next year, with a very rigorous course-load (Physics C, BC Calc, Stats, Economics, and German). I've gotten 5s on all AP exams taken up to this point, so I think that should demonstrate my ability to handle difficult classes and schedules.</p>

<p>Yeah, I'm weak at the SAT, but I believe that I can do considerably better on the ACT.</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice everyone.</p>

8

<p>You certainly have a chance. Good luck!</p>

9

<p>then you have fine chances! i'd say the most important aspect of your application is your essay. write a phenomenal essay and you should be fine.</p>

10

<p>Be really careful with your essay. Reasonable chances, though.</p>

11

<p>Will the fact that I've set my heart on Astrophysics help me a bit?</p>

12

<p>Only if your ECs reflect that interest.</p>

13

<p>We need to play some chess if you get in this next year! You have a shot with current scores, though it would be nice if you're 650s were each about 50 points higher...not sure whether you are planning to retake but I might consider it (given that with very little study you could improve your score by having a "good day" so to speak...)</p>

14

<p>I'm retaking once more and taking the SAT in a month or so.</p>

<p>Oh yeah, some serious chess will be going down if I manage to get in. :) Thanks for the support.</p>

15

<p>Oop, I meant taking the ACT in a month or so.</p>

16

<p>I think you have wonderful chances! Obviously you don't have a laundry list of clubs because you're working 20 hours a week, but that's ok. Working shows maturity and commitment. Good luck on the ACT!</p>