<p>Okay, so I'm from one of those high schools in which they permit you take Princeton classes for high school credit after you have completed all courses at your high school. So I was planning to take courses in both molecular biology and math during my junior and senior years. My question is, how favorably would this be looked upon by Princeton or any college in general? How much of a boost could it give my application specifically for Princeton? Would this be preferable to taking classes at a community college or would it be of the same effect?</p>
<p>I had a few high schoolers in my math class last year. One got into Princeton, one didn't, and I don't know about the other two. I would think it would be viewed more favorably than taking classes at community college since the courses are more rigorous. That said, I don't know how grading works for high schoolers, and you might run the risk of ruining your GPA.</p>
<p>isn't there a lot grade deflation? I remember reading that only the very few at the top get A's. Could someone quickly explain to me how the grading works at Princeton? And the schedule, my guidance counselor wasn't very clear?</p>
<p>Yes there is grade deflation. It is the expectation of the faculty that on average, no more than 35% of grades given will be A's. Some professors may give more than 35%, some less, but for math and science courses, expect the 35% guideline to be followed very closely. When you take into account the students you're competing against, 35% sets a pretty high standard. Do you know if the grade you actually earn in the classes is what appears on your transcript? Or does PHS, PDS, or wherever you go make an allowance for the course difficulty?</p>
<p>We will get a letter grade, which will be calculated in to our GPA. There is no leeway, in the grading I believe. In order to continue taking Princeton courses we must get a B or higher. No exceptions made.
The only thing we must do is get an A in all our high school classes for that subject and get a 4 or 5 on the AP test or score a 700+ on the relevant SAT II.
The grade deflation is sort of scaring me. That's probably the reason people don't take too many classes there. Out of curiosity which classes did you see high schoolers in?</p>
<p>JTC, do you happen to remember what level French class that was? </p>
<p>I really like French and hope to take 224 (a French lit class), my first semester but don't want to be in over my head. I pass out of the requirement, just barely, but hopefully if a high school student did well (assuming he wasn't fluent), it might not be too bad :)</p>
<p>My son took several Math and CS classes back when he was a high school student. I believe it was the main reason he got into Princeton :) He did fairly well in math/physics competitions, but nothing spectacular (anyway, he produced his best results when he was already accepted). His gpa and SAT were "in the range", but not perfect. </p>
<p>In my opinion, a B grade from Princeton will look better than an A from a community college; and if a Princeton professor will write you a recommendation, it may play some role, too.</p>
<p>The grade deflation policy does not matter much in the Math/science department; they were always grading this way. Anyway, they say the grading in the upper-level classes (300-400 level) is not that strict. On the other hand, I was reading on these boards that 215 may be considered as some kind of "weeding" course for Math majors, because the kids who "don't get" proofs drop it quite often. But the Math department is pretty flexible, so it will be possible to change the class if something goes wrong. That is, if you can find another class to fit into your high school schedule (actually, I think that logistics is one of the reasons some kids don't take Princeton classes even if they are eligible).</p>
<p>In any case, it would be probably a good idea to start with just one class in your first semester...</p>
<p>I can't help you from personal experience, but as long as you don't get in over your head, it sounds like a great opportunity. I wouldn't count on it helping you get into Princeton, however, or at least don't pressure yourself for that reason. It's a way to show intelligence and interest, but they have a small class that gets mostly filled up with "hooked" applicants.</p>
<p>Taking classes at Princeton during HS will definitely not hurt your chances, so if you're up for the challenge go for it. But even if you take classes at Princeton, you are still statistically not likely to get in. I would not say that it would count as a major "hook" or something unique about you that would help you in, but it's a good "supporting cast" activity, especially if you say that Princeton is your 1st choice, and hey, I took classes there and loved it.</p>