Princeton, Georgia Tech and Others

Applying to College Early Decision / Early Action
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1

Here are some of my stats:

Demographics: Asian (Indian) Male; New Jersey

Intended Major: Computer Engineering/Computer Science

SAT: 1450 (790 Math)

GPA: 101.547

Rank: 29/330 (Kind of Low but can compensate with other things)

APs: AP Statistics, AP Seminar, AP Computer Science Principles (Self-Study), AP Computer Science A, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP US History ll, AP Calculus AB, AP World, AP Literature and Composition, AP Physics C, AP Calculus BC

Academic Honors: Consecutive High Honor Roll, High Honor Roll with Distinction, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Jersey Boys State Delegate, Princeton Plasma Physics Internship (1 of 4 selected from the nation)

Extracurriculars:

  1. Boy Scouts - (Eagle Scout; Junior Assistant Scoutmaster; ASD Advocate)
  2. (FTC) First Tech Challenge - Robotics (Captain; Documentation Lead)
  3. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory - (Computational Research Intern) (Affiliated with Princeton University)
  4. (FLL) First Lego League - (Mentor/Assistant Coach)
  5. Miles Technologies - (Information Technology Summer Associate/Intern)
  6. The Zone (Software Engineering Intern)
  7. Math Team/League - (President/Captain)
  8. Krish’s Robotics Class - (Self-Owned Business; Founder)
  9. Family Responsibilities - Tutor for Brother & Grandparents. Grandparent Driving Assistance
  10. Varsity Athletics - Track & Field (Discus & Javelin)

LORS

Pretty well written from my Calc BC teacher who is also my track coach and my prior Calc AB teacher

Pretty well written from my Robotics coach who was also my Engineering teacher

Pretty well written by my research advisor at Princeton

Other well-written letters from past employers, advisors, mentors, etc

Misc

Attended Summer Program at Brown on Full Scholarship

Skipped to the highest level of Engineering at my School by convincing the board of education. ONLY sophomore to ever take that class.

Attended FREE MIT Summer Program. I was the only person selected from NJ and the only sophomore at the program.

Schools

Applying Princeton SCEA and probably other private schools are good for CE and CS.

2

“A little info about me… I am a current Junior but with the admission office’s permission, I was allowed to apply 1 year early for the class of 2026. I already had my interview and it went super well (in my opinion).”

So you applied to Princeton last year and I assume rejected?

You are an impressive candidate, congratulations.

What type of HS do you attend and do they place kids at Princeton?

3

Yeah, I applied last year but was unfortunately denied. I attend a high school that is pretty competitive and in a rural setting (surrounded by lots of farmers and blue-collared workers). Also, a kid went with similar credentials 2 years ago so I would say they do place kids at Princeton. Not many but still some.

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4

I think your credentials will give you a fighting chance but your class rank would be a concern.

I don’t want to diminish your confidence but it doesn’t sound like you attend a school that places a large number of kids at super elites like a Bergen Academy, Pingry, Delbarton, Newark Academy, type matriculation record school.

With that in mind while it sounds like your school does occasionally place students at elites you seem to suggest it is typically “tippy top” kids (not the majority of the top 10%). Would you consider those kids (and would your teachers and counselors) describe you as equally talented academically?

That will probably be your best indication of what to expect.

5

They said academically I am equal and that the thing that helps set me apart is my unique and well-developed extracurriculars.

6

Your ECs are very impressive but your ECs and academics will have to stand out amongst top students from across the country (and world) not just your school.

If typically your school is sending a student or two to a super elite every few years you really need to have a variety of boxes checked including being at or very near the absolute top of your graduating class academically.

Again I am not trying to lessen your confidence and you are clearly extremely smart and qualified but suggesting you consider how you use your SCEA/ED/EA option. If Princeton is your dream (and you can afford it) go for it, but recognize you are facing an uphill battle.

Have you spoken to your GC and discussed whether or not he/she believes your application has “evolved” enough to top the scales your way having been rejected last year? What has changed?

7

I have talked to my GC and she believes not only have my ECs evolved with more leadership but I also now have an internal connection with Princeton as I am conducting research directly with them. My SAT, GPA, and Rank have also increased from last year’s application. Overall, she sees a way higher upward trend from last year which might actually help in my favor.

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8

I absolutely wish you good luck. It appears you have prepared yourself, done your diligence and put in the effort.

9

Thank you :slight_smile:

10

Is that a chance me post?

If so, does your school use Naviance? That will give you a pretty clear picture of what you can expect. (is SAT 1450 a typo?)

11

This is a chance me post. As per Naviance, I am in line with others that have previously got accepted. And 1450 is NOT a type.

12

OK. Are you attending a highly regarded private high school like Lawrenceville?

Be aware that your stats are below the typical stats of students from public high schools from Central NJ that get accepted to Princeton or Georgia Tech.

Make sure that you apply to safety schools too. At the minimum apply to Rutgers. What other schools are you considering?

CDS_2019-2020_0.pdf (princeton.edu)

Common Data Set | Institutional Research & Planning (gatech.edu)

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