<p>Hi, I've been a "lurker" on this site for about a month or two and finally decided to become a part of it. My situation is this : i'm from a white, one person working family, and am a person of "limited" means because of it. I am a first generation college student. No one in my family has ever attended college, and were lucky if he/she graduated high school. Well, the more I read about Princeton, the more I fall in love with the place(great fin. aid, of course, beautiful campus, strong undergrad focus, location not far from NYC or Philly, has my majors in science(molecular biology, or astrophysics),etc.) Reading about other schools that could be safeties makes me feel empty thinking one day I may not be attending Princeton. Anyway, I haven't really had the same opportunities in instrument playing, sports (I do play just for recreation though and I am a decent player at a few),etc. because of limited resources (if you want more detail just ask) and I want to know if anyone thinks this will really hurt my chances at attending this great institution if I explain my situation to admissions.</p>
<p>I was in a similar situation as you. Just expand upon what you have done above all else. Make the things you do (after school job to help support your family...., clubs, whatever) shine. Don't worry about explaining so called 'gaps' in your application - it might look bad unless it is something you need to explain. </p>
<p>its good that you have passion about Princeton. let that shine through and find some specific programs, grants, classes or professors at Princeton to write about in your essays. Show them you've researched the school. And apply early!</p>
<p>anyone else?</p>
<p>The next big push on the diversity front is going to be socio-economic diversity. Because of that, your background will be an asset. You need to figure out a way to communicate that you've taken advantage of the opportunities that have been available to you without coming across as apologetic about your ECA profile.</p>
<p>You have received good advice on this thread. Focus on what you, with your life experience, will contribute to campus life in terms of focus, perspective, awareness, etc. as well as academics. Princeton's adcom used to say "we don't look FOR anything; we look AT each applicant," and I trust that is still true. If you want to post here re qualities or accomplishments you believe will appeal to the adcom, please do so and we can try to be helpful.</p>
<p>Well, I do have a few things going on right now. I live in a less privileged area which has less job opportunities than ever before, but am looking for a job to help out my family since I just turned sixteen. My gpa and things like that are over average i'd have to say. EC's are what aren't "over" avg, but I am involved with ones I actually like and not false ones just to take up space. Currently am involved with var. quiz team, envirothon quiz team (this is my fav. one I spend most time with. I am going to get captain this year and try to get to state comp), spanish club, (and even though they are supposed scams) whos' who, nshss, volunteered at the local children's water festival, and do play video games. This year I am joining math club, SADD, and am going to run for student gov't and student council, maybe math comp. team (if I make it), and of course N.H.S. Might volunteer at the local hospital if I can to get some experience since I want to join pre-med society. Possibly may have to start a science club because the original teacher hasn't done it in years. This may not matter, but as mentioned above: First gen. college student, and a female science major (don't know if that helps). I also do have some great, unique IMO essay topics (if you want to know ask) that may appeal to the adcom and I can write them in a style to keep their attention and show myself through in places not explained in the app. That's about all I can think of as of now. Any additional input would be appreciated.</p>
<p>pinkelephant, i can totally sympathize with you (i have totally limited resources). i agree with all the posters on this thread, though i do have one question: so i shouldn't explain that my less than stellar EC's are in part due to my school situation? i should just emphasize what i have done.</p>
<p>That's the point I got from the posters. tryin2Bcool. Don't focus on what you haven't done, but your strengths. Although i'm still not sure if I shouldn't just explain it quickly, without much "detail"</p>
<p>anyone else out there have any more opinions or views?</p>
<p>It would probably depend on your GPA, SAT scores, etc... obviously your family isn't necessarily a reflection of who you are, but if YOU would be lucky to graduate high school, things aren't looking too good. Top decile in terms of GPA would probably be the bare minimum for Princeton, all things considered; even then, it's a reach. Unofficial word is that Princeton is really loathe to hand out its loan-free aid, and given your apparent financial situation, they may be a little hesistant. If you have killer references and are top in class and all that jazz, I think Princeton would definitely be in reach; or if you're an All-American football player or something and forgot to mention it.</p>
<p>I don't think your EC's matter that much. From what I hear, they only care if you've got something really big up your sleeve. I know in Canada you have to have a national award to get anywhere, but the average American state has about the same population as my entire country, so all-state might be good enough.</p>
<p>Unless it's a trade secret or something, what exactly is your unique essay topic?</p>
<p>godofcoffee (and everyone else), I cannot stress enough that Princeton does NOT look at your financial situation when deciding whether to admit you or not. The admissions office and financial aid offices are completely separate. And Princeton actually does like handing out money in the form of grants. It makes them look better. Do not think for one second that your financial situation could put you in jeapardy of being accepted. Acceptance is based solely on the admissions factos (GPA, ECs, Letters of rec, essays, etc etc)</p>
<p>When I visited Princeton, I went with a group and listened to an admission officer, and when people started asking about SAT scores, the first thing he said (and subsequently repeated) was that SAT scores aren't what will make or break you. They realize that not everyone is a good test taker, not everyone has skills that specifically fall into Reading, Writing, and Math, etc. So with regard to SAT scores, my suggestion is that you take a look at the SAT midranges (25-75 percentile), and aim right in the middle. My guess is that as long as you're in the midrange, you don't have anything to worry about. If you're a little outside, you may still be ok, and I would start being worried if you're 30, 40, 50 points lower than the midrange. As for your GPA, you mentioned that it was average. Does that mean you're an average student at your high school? I'd like to point out that an extremely large amount of students going to Princeton are at the very least in the top 10% of their class. I think about 99% (if not nearly 100%) are definately in the top 50% of their class. My suggestion with regard to GPA is to focus on taking the most difficult classes possible (even if you may have to sacrifice an A for a B), while maintaining around a 3.8 (or 3/4 A's). One B here and there won't kill you...C's and D's may. Anyone else want to comment on my suggestions? Don't worry aobut financial aid (like ivyboy said)...Princeton boasts the best financial aid program in the country--and they will use it.</p>
<p>my gpa is a 4.0 UW, that's not what i'm worried about at all. It's just the EC's</p>
<p>and yes, I am most definitely in the top 10% of my class (more like top 7 or 6 %) so that isn't an issue either.</p>
<p>does anyone else out there have something to say?</p>
<p>Let your application represent you. Try to incorporate every aspect of yourself into the application so that the reader sees you the way you see yourself. (Confidence is good here.) Imagine you're introducing yourself to a classmate you'll be going to college with -- make the reader feel fortunate that you'll be around for 4 years. Discuss topics you're comfortable with, because if you feel awkward writing it, it's going to come across and the reader will feel awkward reading it. (For instance, if there's anything potentially controversial, such as sexual orientation or strong religious and/or political sentiments, it's your call.)</p>
<p>Oh, and listen to ivyboy :p he knows what he's talking about.</p>
<p>I think it's funny how there have been 561 views and only 15 replies (half of them done by me) :confused: Anyway I just want to thank those of you who did post; the information was helpful ;). Thanks again!</p>