<p>Hi guys!</p>
<p>I know there have been a lot of threads like these popping up lately but hopefully you can take the time to help me out! </p>
<p>A brief overview of my stats:</p>
<p>GPA: 3.88 UW, 4.72 W
Top 10% of class in nationally ranked HS
SAT: 2320 (800/800/720)
SAT II's: 800 Chem, 800 Math II, 790 US History
Awards: National Merit Semifinalist, AP Scholar with Distinction
EC's: Solid, but they pretty much only revolve around two things--research and track. </p>
<p>Here's the thing, I feel like my GPA is really dragging me down and my application doesn't stand out. I don't have any major awards like Siemens or Intel for research nor am I good enough to be recruitable for track. Everyone I know who's gotten into Princeton or any other top 5 school has had some crazy hook, like being a nationally ranked debater/musician/dancer or whatever. I'm so mediocre in comparison :(</p>
<p>It's just that all of my classmates are applying to HYPSM and (yeah, peer pressure, i know) I wonder if maybe I should too, just for kicks? Or should I save the seventy bucks and spend it on a much-needed day at the amusement park? (i feel like i'm betraying my #1 choice right now just by making this thread lol) </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>just keep in mind thateveryone has a chance. btw,what are your other choices?</p>
<p>Do you have an interesting personal story? Because your stats are in the ball park.</p>
<p>seems to me you are a great candidate; highlight your research and if you are good at track let the coach know that you are applying!</p>
<p>Look, if you have an interest in Princeton, there’s no reason not to apply. Your stats are well within the range to make you a strong candidate numerically. The only reason to not apply is if you wouldn’t want to attend if accepted. If not, then you’ll only live with the regret of not trying. Either way, i hope the admissions process works out for you, but definitely apply to colleges that are good fits, not just because your friends are also applying</p>
<p>Thanks for all the input, everyone! </p>
<p>I’m also applying to a few other Ivies and some other selective schools in the Northeast/Midwest, and I have BC and Berkeley as (hopeful) matches. Unfortunately I’m not quite running recruit material, but if possible I’ll see what I can do about being a walk-on, wherever I end up. </p>
<p>I’ll probably throw out an app RD (with well thought-out essays, of course) just to see what happens. I do like it a lot and I feel like it’ll bother me if I don’t give it a try. </p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>You are a competitive applicant.</p>
<p>Think about trying to win some major award senior year. They come out in time for last-minute decisions/waitlists.</p>
<p>Honestly, what do you have to lose (besides the app fee and the time it takes to fill out the application)? </p>
<p>Everyone has got a chance, you might as well try. The only way to guarantee that you will not be going to Princeton for your undergraduate is if you do not apply.</p>
<p>I definitely think you should at least apply because you never truly know if you’ll get in if you don’t at least try.</p>