Solicited for interview/chances

Colleges & Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>Hello CC. Today I got a call from an interviewer in my area who said he was glad that I was applying to Princeton and wanted to set up an interview, which suprised me a bit. I applied to Princeton sort of on a whim (hey, common app...) and while I may have a slight chance, I'm not the kind of candidate they'd call out of nowhere. The only thing I can think of that would really put me ahead is some research experience, but that's probably not too uncommon. Is this Princeton's normal MO, or do they really want me or something? What do you think my chances are with these stats:</p>

<p>White male from rural VA, Engineering app</p>

<p>GPA: 4.0 weighted
SAT I: 2270 (800 RC, 740 W, 730 M)
SAT IIs: Math IIc 750, Literature 740
APs: 5 in US History [Only AP offered Junior year (except languages), I plan to take more this year]</p>

<p>Most difficult courses possible, independent study junior and senior year in some fairly advanced electronics stuff</p>

<p>Honors:</p>

<p>Coauthored a manuscript pending publication in a prestegious physics journal</p>

<p>Accepted to VA Governor's school (turned down to pursue research position)</p>

<p>National Merit Semifinalist</p>

<p>ECs:</p>

<p>Strong and consistent independent interest in computer science and electronic design (20+ H/Week since forever)</p>

<p>Ski Club - founder and president</p>

<p>Academic Team - captain</p>

<p>Active in local Venture Crew</p>

<p>Keyboard, Guitar, Composition (pretty informal)</p>

<p>Great essays, an amazing rec. from the professor who directed our research project (said it was the best he'd ever written), two probably decent teacher recs., and a great councellor rec.</p>

<p>I stressed the laser optics research stuff in the essays (it was an incredible experience) and wrote a really solid "why engineering" essay with some pretty out there stuff about socio-technological trends. I think on the whole they expressed my personality pretty effectively. I got kind of goofy on the interests/inspiration section.</p>

<p>I also have some pretty significant professional experience in computing (development and network administration) through freelance work and through a local university. </p>

<p>What do you think, and what's with the call (didn't request an interview)?</p>

2

<p>Standard procedure.</p>

3

<p>Why did you apply?</p>

4

<p>Damn, that bad? I was applying to some other common app schools, why not.</p>

5

<p>No, I did not mean it like that. I was asking you why did you apply to Princeton?</p>

6

<p>D. Fuego, they ask most people that apply for an interview.</p>

7

<p>Haha, okay. Well, it's freaking Princeton... the best in science, engineering, and humanities, leading research program, etc. Honestly, I'm not particularly drawn to the school or its culture, but its so far ahead of everything else that I'd probably go if I got in.</p>

8

<p>I'm still curious though - I know about where I stand admissions wise, but what do you guys think?</p>

9

<p>It's Princeton: so flip a 3, 4, 5, or maybe even 6-headed coin and hope it lands on your number. You are certainly qualified but so is everyone else.</p>

10

<p>I believe you have the qualifications but might lack the desire to go there other than you think it is the 'best'. Being drawn to the school and all it has to offer outside of academics should be a major consideration.</p>

11

<p>Most applicants to Princeton are interviewed.
The ones that are not, are for logistical reasons (remote area; interviewer forgot etc). Don't read too much into that call.</p>

12

<p>Rodger. They must have a pretty killer alumni network to call (nevermind interview) every applicant.</p>

13

<p>Yes, they do have a "killer alumni network". And the personal interview does make the applicant feel more "special" in a way, at least more than the mass interviews that some schools do.</p>

<p>Your accomplishments do give you a fighting chance. You say if Princeton accepted you, you would go, but you seem to not really care about the school. Since that's the case, just out of curiosity, what is your #1 school that you would so easily push aside for Pton?</p>

14

<p>Actually, Stanford was my first choice; I applied there early but got deferred. My top choices now are Columbia and UVa. Now that you mention it though, I'd have a very difficult time choosing between Columbia and Princeton, but CU is another longshot. I don't mean to discout UVa, it's a great school with a strong engineering program, but it isn't involved in the kind of cutting edge research you see at Princeton and Columbia.</p>

15

<p>ryeCT: I like your metaphor, except I couldn't think of any coins that had 6 heads :p</p>

16

<p>Can you think of one with 5?</p>

<p>Maybe roll the dice.</p>

17

<p>5 sided is easy: a square pyramid.</p>

18

<p>is everyone considered if alumni are there (i live in the sf bay area) or is it only the top applicants?</p>

19

<p>A square pyramid? And I suppose when it lands on its base, then that's the number on the bottom?</p>

20

<p>Whaaat? A square pyramid would mean one square and 4 triangles! That's not too balanced... Or am I being dense?</p>