Shoot Higher?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>I'm currently a hs sophmore and have my sights set on UVA but idk whether or not I should set UVA as my backup and shoot for an ivy like Princeton.</p>

<p>I took the SAT in 8th grade for a John Hopkins thing where if you're score is high enough u can take their classes, and so I got high enough. I just took the SAT again a few days ago as a practice test and I think i got 750-800 math, 650-750 verbal, 650-750 writing. Based on what my scores will be when i find out I'm predicting like a 2300 on the real thing as a Junior. </p>

<p>I'm taking 2 AP's right now and planning on taking 5 more both Junior and Senior year with 1 over the summer in order to get AP finalist award (13 total). Yes, i'm asking my chances if i get AP finalist cause i think i can, and...my only real problem area is my freshmen GPA which sucked so i'm shooting for a 3.95 for Fr, So, and Ju years, and Senior year would probably bump it up past 4.0 but idk if colleges look at senior year gpa. </p>

<p>So, should i shoot higher?</p>

2

<p>the sky's your limit, really. having said that, a 4.0 GPA is not a prerequsite for getting into princeton.</p>

<p>i didn't have one. try to spread youreslf out, engage youreslf in meaningful activities over a prolonged period of time; say you get involved in acting for 4 years, that's definetly something you know. 3 or 4 really meaningful activities over a course of 3/4 years spread out over sports, debate or whatever will go a long way with helping you "shoot for an ivy like Princeton"</p>

<p>best of luck</p>

3

<p>Don't concern yourself with meaningless "honors" like AP finalist award because you think they will look good on your application. Take the most rigorous courses your school offers and involve yourself in maybe three or four exceptional extracurricular activities. Having good stats will only get you in the door; the total package is what will net you the acceptance.</p>

4

<p>AFAIK, Princeton doesn't look at freshman grades when calculating GPA, so you should be fine in that regard.</p>

5

<p>Academics (test scores and GPA) are important but they will NOT get you in. You need to have extracurricular passions, unique talents, etc.</p>

6

<p>Are any of you aware of any other schools that do not look at freshman GPA?</p>

<p>For EC's, would things like 4 years Cross Country, 3 years MUN, and 2 years Varsity tennis look good? Although tennis is really my passion and i think i could probably win some nice tournys to put on app, I'm not that good at either CC and MUN and havent and probably won't win any awards in those fields. Is that a bad thing to only have participation without any real distinguished awards in some EC's?</p>

7

<p>Stanford doesn't look at freshman grades either.</p>