Hey Guys, I am an International student and a junior in a private Highschool in America. I am planning on applying to Princeton University my senior year. I have a 3.9 GPA I haven’t taken any AP/IB classes because my school doesn’t offer any. I will take Calculus next year. I am taking the act for the first time next week and i am aiming for at least a 25. I am also involved in NHS and varsity boys soccer.
The reason I chose Princeton is because it has an amazing engineering program and financial aid.
I am going to tell my story in the common app.
My parents are both missionaries in India , My father had no source of Income and my mother worked as a teacher for 15 years and could barely support our family. My parents could not afford to put in in a school so I taught my self till my sophomore year when my Relatives started sponsoring my education. It was hard but i learned by myself with no one to help me.My Sophomore year was tough because I wasn’t used to the way they taught the material but I quickly adapted their ways of teaching and have worked my way up. I will take the ACT multiple times till i get at least a 33. This is my only chance of going to college because my relatives won’t be able to sponsor me for it. I will have to get into these colleges because I am on my own. Any advice would be appreciated. What do u guys think? Do I have a chance of getting in?
Getting into any very selective school is extraordinarily difficult for almost anyone. A 33 on the ACT would put you in range score wise but thousands of students apply every year and most also have scores in at least that range. I understand the financial dilemma you find yourself in, however Princeton is a highly selective school and likelihood of acceptance is exceptionally low for all unhooked applicants. Your story, while compelling, will by no means guarantee acceptance since If you can gauge your expectations accordingly,
Sorry for the incomplete thought above…it appears to have cut off a portion of the response. It should read, " Your story, while compelling, will by no means guarantee acceptance since many applicants will have similar stories of overcoming adversity. If you can gauge your expectations accordingly, apply and see what happens. Best of luck!"
@batman127 without your narrative you would have very little chance. With your story, verified by credible sources, you have a chance (low like any applicant). A 33 is fine, but higher is always better. I recommend doing some community service, showing you can give back some of the opportunity given to you. Good luck.
And remember: Batman went to Princeton… 
Hopefully your GC will help you identify schools but you can use this site to find them on your own but you should target all schools that meet full need for international students and apply there.