<p>GPA Trend (sophomore onwards bc that's all Princeton measures)</p>
<p>S1: 3.0
S2: 2.7
J1: 3.6
J2: 4.0</p>
<p>I wrote that the reason my grades was bad my sophomore was bc doing well in school is considered "acting white" - and basically I didn't want to be ostracized by my peers. Near the middle of my Junior year I just said f*** it and stopped pretending - was still ostracized though. Sorry excuse but it's the truth and racial tensions at my school are high.</p>
<p>Jr courses include AP Physics, AP Chem & AP Euro </p>
<p>The sentiment expressed in the title is a bad one to begin with - those who have perfect scores and ECs still get routinely rejected each year. It’s really a crapshoot. I’m not sure how the essay will come across - I think it can be a legitimate topic, but also a sensitive one. It all depends on how the tone of your essay comes across - whiny, pretentious, and resentful vs. growth and development. Ultimately, you want your essay to accurately reflect who you are and touch on yourself as a person. Perhaps get a second opinion?</p>
<p>Hmmm. Your GPA is, to be blunt, not good. Still, it’s easier for blacks to get in than any other race, like it or not, so that should help you. I feel like if you really highlighted your triumph over peer pressure to conform to your own stereotype in your essay, you’ll be bringing something unique to the table and, if done well, have a shot at admission.</p>
<p>Kudos, by the way, for doing what you know is right. I’ve dealt with the same thing. Being told that you “act too white” by not only other black people, but by your best friends and family, really stings. Don’t let them bring you down to their level. Good luck.</p>