Princeton Concerns for a rather young Individual ^_^

Colleges & Universities A-Z Princeton University
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<p>Hey everyone! :D</p>

<p>My name is Jay, 15 years old, I'm a sophomore at my high school right now with full honors, AP accepted classes next year, top 6% in P-SAT testing, 3.8 GPA since 3rd Grade, the whole stuff. All my AP / Honors teachers love my friend and I, we look forward to applying to an Ivy League College, such as Princeton ^_^, and then it hits me that I will be applying to Colleges soon, and it's been bugging me a little since it's my future. Everyone goes, "Princeton is the #1 College to go to Academically" which it respectfully is :) but I wanted some personal feedback to a child, as well as my friend since he is very interested, on the whole deal with Princeton. </p>

<p>Some background is my dad says he makes just shy of 40K a year, I come from a rather "poor in comparison to Ivy League funds" family, I haven't seen my mom since I was about 4, my parents are divorced. My teachers say I have a brain built for an Ivy League School, but not the wallet :P! I'd love to attend any Ivy League College, but I lack the funds heavily. I've been reading if you make under 40K a year I could choose Harvard, if not it's Princeton since the other Ivy League Schools still cost a butt-load. My father tells me, "Stars Program, 2 years of your Community College free (Camden County) then 2 years free at another College in the State of New Jersey (and I doubt if I go to my community college that Princeton will suddenly let me in, I'd rather go to like Yale for 2 years free then Community 2 and like Rutgers 2 [don't get me wrong, I love Rutgers, it's a good college, I just think I'm more driven for Ivy League :o I hope I put that nicely]).</p>

<p>Please, share your thoughts, documents, and other informational references that Princeton bound students should aim for, such as what scores I should get on SATs, the GPA I should stay static to, classes / majors people enjoyed, what students thought of the campus, social life, academic difficulty, and other typical things. Since I work with my Guidance Consolers, I ask them questions, but their job does keep them busy enough for me not to get too much information out of them. I really appreciate any feedback, whether it's positive or negative. </p>

<p>P.S. I live 20 minutes from Princeton and I'm going to visit their campus this summer to see how it's like. I've even talked to 2 doctors (one has more letters after his name then his true first and last name, and his name is long too!! :D) and they told me to just apply, get a rough estimate on how much I need to improve if I need to, visit campuses, and go with the general feeling I get being at each. Thank you everyone for dealing with a worrying youngin' who is just concerned for his future =D</p>

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<p>You'll get a full ride to definitely HPY, and probably to all the other Ivies, based on your family income. Anywhere else, if your PSAT and SAT are high enough, you'll get an academic scholarship. Don't ever let money be an issue in applying to college. Colleges will generally work very hard make it work for you (especially older, more prestigious private schools and almost all public schools--esp. in-state ones)</p>

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<p>...and dont let age be a hindrance either. I am also quite young and I am applyin for Fall 2007. its not really a big deal as long as you are mature enough.</p>

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<p>Thank you guys, I really appreciate it, I just look forward to helping the world in the best possible way :D! Thanks!!</p>

<p>Edit: The thing about my father is he didn't go to College and tells me I'm going to end up going into the "Stars Program," but after talking to my Counselors, as well as my friend who's brighter than I, say that's an unwise choice in my fathers hands due to Financial Aid the Ivy Leagues are generous about. Ah ye ya.</p>

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<p>The Stars program is good - community colleges can be great schools - but the Ivies usually have very generous financial aid. Shoot for the stars!</p>

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<p>remember to keep your college search in perspective. there is no preset way for any ivy league college to open their doors to you, unless you win the noble prize or something of that caliber. not to be a debbie downer, but you need to beat out 10 other kids for that one acceptance. its a daunting task when you think about it. my advice would be dont go with the flow. pursue things that you are genuinely interested in while maintaining top notch grades. id say a good majority of those who apply to the ivy leagues should get in if all that was considered were gpa and sats. find a way to stand out and show the ivies that you have overcome much to achieve what you hope to achieve. best of luck</p>

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<p>I agree with jaymz07. Be yourself, do what you love. If you're the kind of individual meant for HYP, they will recognise you and you will naturally rise to the top. Don't worry about finances - applying to HYP is only about $50 each (on average), and they award aid on a need basis. If you get turned down by all, just go to community college anyway - if you are intelligent, you will shine wherever you go. Who knows? You could luck out and successfully transfer to Harvard or wherever (too bad Princeton doesn't have transfers at the moment).</p>

<p>Btw, if your dad isn't convinced, just point out that Princeton gives all aid in the form of grants and work-study programmes - no loans. If you have the brains for Princeton and can get in, there's no reason you shouldn't go. But at the same time, don't get too hung up about college. Life goes on, and if you are smart, you will always be able to find opportunities wherever you go.</p>

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<p>Keep your options open. Look beyond the Ivy League. It's good that you are starting to look around early</p>

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<p>Thanks everyone. I'm going to do some chemical engineering with local scientist, in hopes of pursuing my true aspirations. I hope I can shine enough for Ivys, agian, thanks everyone!</p>

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<p>hey, gdon't worry about the money, the schools will pull through for you and know that you can also negotiate finaid...anyway definetly apply to top tier schools, and your prospective major will be somewhat lucrative, so even if you don't get full aid (which you will @ the ivy's especially HYP and even Columbia now has switched to a no loan policy i believe) you can get loans and pay them afterwards. My sister is paying herself through an Ivy w/generous fin aid (though she has 3 jobs! to cover her work study and student contribution). Money can be taken care of, don't let it hinder you, apply and good luck :). </p>

<p>P.S. lots of schools are looking to recruite lower socio-economic students.</p>