<p>General Info: Male junior attending diverse public HS in California. The educational system is not really robust but we do have a decent AP program. I'm ethnically mixed (Filipino/Arabic) and I'm challenging myself to fullest.</p>
<p>Harvard Summer School: Neurobiology A
GPA: 5.0/5.0 (11th); 4.333/4.333 (10th) 4.0/4.0(9th)
AP: European Hist 5
Biology 5 (expected)
AP US 5 (expected)
AP ART 5 (expected)</p>
<p>SATI: 1730(retaking) taking ACT too</p>
<p>SATII: Biology (M): 720<br>
MathIIC: 580 (retaking)
US History: 780
EC: Varsity Tennis
Varsity Golf
Newspaper editor
Key Club
Red Cross</p>
<p>Yes, your diction is correct. Well, I'd say that my test scores are simply a reflection of the academic curriculum at my school. In a sense that most of my classes aren't focused on preparing students for standardized tests. However, I do know that I can achieve at the highest levels if my school oriented in a different approach. I don't really believe that standardized tests are an accurate assesment of an individual's full potential. Personally, I think I took the test a little too complacently and I didn't prepare for it....as opposed to other students who shell out wads of cash for prep courses...(which isn't necessarily bad).</p>
<p>the SAT score will make your chances at Princeton close to zero, unfortunately. I am a firm believer that someone motivated like you can improve their test scores dramatically if they are so inclined. If you are serious about Princeton than work like crazy on the SAT or ACT. You don't need to pay for a class, but it might help you. Either way you should be studying at least an hour a day if you want to make serious improvements.</p>
<p>But as of right now, I think there's a very low chance of acceptance.</p>
<p>Yeah, no way with the scores although if you study your butt off I think you can seriously raise them. Study. Oh yeah, no school's curriculum really helps one prepare for the SAT. With a 2150+ I think you have a fair shot.</p>
<p>Collegekid, lots of students don't "shell out wads of cash for prep courses," go to schools that don't test prep, and get high scores. Buy or borrow some test-prep books and get to work. </p>
<p>The only other comment I would make is that the way you've listed your ECs, they don't show real leadership or a strong identity. When you say "newspaper editor," what do you mean? Or how good are you at golf or tennis? You will need to portray yourself as someone driven to accomplish something in whatever you're passionate about.</p>
<p>yep collegekid, I have to agree with aparent. I understand where you're coming from about your school but at the same time that just won't cut it at this level. You have potential if your score gets a boost.</p>
<p>u can't come to this website hoping to get positive reviews with those SAT scores. Most of the ppl off of this site will end up at one of the top 25 schools in the nation. I'm sure that you will take up some type of prep book for at least the SAT MathIIC portion. It looks like you are pretty good with Bio and US History with those SAT II scores. I am extremely confident that you will do quite well on the ACT so if your SAT scores don't go up drastically then you can depend on those. And even not, you have very good grades so that is always a plus</p>
<p>You seem to be an English-person, and princeton will probably accept that. If you exhibit extraordinary strength in languages (such as your Editor position, or possibly your college essays), colleges will forgive a low IIC score. Quoting a former Princeton admissions officer, </p>
<p>"You can't change your transcript. That's over with. But you can fine-tune your essays, and truly show a college your ability to communicate passion, enthusiasm, and motivation."</p>
<p>I think you should apply to Princeton if that is where you want to go. If you want to retake your SAT's that might help. But it is important to remeber that all of these ivy schools are open to a variety of students. If they did not want low sat scores they would devise a "cut off", but they don't. Princeton probably gets a million applications that all look the same: kids from private new england schools, perfect sat's, gpa's and showy extracurricular activities. (not that any of that is bad). However, if there is a stellar student who shows potential (you obviously do) then they will make exceptions. People go to college to learn, they don't all want perfect students. Work hard on your essays and stay confident. There is no harm in reaching for something- a place like princeton is a reach for everyone.</p>