For context: No one from my school (that we know of) had been accepted to Princeton. Of course, it is possible that someone was accepted a few decades ago.
I go to a small school with about 100 students in each class. Last year 2 students from my school were accepted to Princeton and are currently attending. 2! This was great news, especially for such a small high school.
Will this be taken into context (negatively) when I apply? I know that Princeton strives to obtain geographic diversity. Do you think the fact that TWO students got in last year will impact my chances? In your past experience, does Princeton have quotas (i.e. One person per year from your school)?
Also, does Princeton evaluate applicants by school like Yale does? There are at least 5 students from my class applying this year…
In my view, that the fact that Princeton accepted two students last year is an indication they view your school favorably and should be interpreted as a good sign for future applicants from your school. Good luck!
@DryMango I believe it will help. My son was the first Princetonian from his large public school. The alumni interviewer commented (after he was accepted) that he was excited because it meant it will be more likely others from his school/area will be accepted. Conversely, had he rejected his admission offer, it would have made it more difficult for subsequent students.
To address your concerns: taking two people from one school doesn’t really affect geographic diversity. In a similar vein, even if colleges have quotas, I doubt that they’d limit it to a few per school. I don’t think that the fact that two people from your HS are currently attending Princeton will either benefit or hinder your application—last year, Princeton accepted two people from my large public for the first time in many years, and neither attended. I still got in this year.