Rate chances

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

Not sure about the etiquette of parents asking about their kid’s chances. I have seen some, but not many.

My daughter is very interested in Princeton. She wants to go into international relations (i.e. Dept of State, World Bank, etc). Princeton will be significant reach, of course.

She is a rising senior in a public school. I believe her academics might be a little weak, but not sure if the strength of her courses might compensate. I think she has unique ECs, but not many.

GPA: 3.75 unweighted. I have no idea what her weighted GPA is, but she has taken all honors classes and 5 AP classes so far in HS. She will finish HS with 10 APs. Biggest drag on her GPA is Calculus AB this year.

SATs: 2210, Math: 700, Reading: 760, Writing: 750. First time with no preparation (much to my displeasure). She will take again, along with 3 subject tests this May and June.

Founded and has been president for 2 years an international issues club that now has 40 members
Regional president for the national club

Attended and spoke on a panel at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women - only teenager to do this
Has had an essay presented at another United Nations event

Placed second in the nation for junior girls kickboxing/Thai boxing in her weight class.

6 years of Latin by graduation - winning various awards at state convention.

Some other club affiliations and freshman and JV basketball before she decided to focus on kickboxing full-time.

So, without really being intentional, she has done what most recommend - focused on a few things that are really meaningful to her. Just curious how the group would rate her chances.

Thanks very much in advance!

2

Princeton is very difficult to get into, particularly if your GPA is on the low side. If you look at data provided by Princeton (https://admission.princeton.edu/applyingforadmission/admission-statistics), you’ll see that acceptance rates for students with UW GPA of less than 3.8 were less than the Princeton average. SAT score is average (if not very slightly below average) for Princeton.

ECs, while not numerous, sound like they could be interesting. Without knowing more, I’d say, if you play the cards well on these ECs they’ll be among the most unique and thus stand out. No substantial awards, but that is okay as well.

All in all, below average chances in terms of GPA/Standardized testing, but ECs and essays could be what really pull the application up. I wouldn’t get hopes up (I think Princeton is a high reach), but it is within the realm of possibility.