<p>Ok so I have a bit of a problem. Throughout my high school career thus far (i'm a sophmore) my grades have been less stellar. When I say that I mean B's and C's and sometimes even a D. The problem is I know I am very intellectually gifted and have the potential to earn top grades. I took the PSAT this year and scored very high.
I guess the reason for not earning these grades has to do with a lot of personal issues in my life which have really complicated things and promoted a lack of motivation for school. Recently, I've been slowly improving my grades, but they are no where near where they need to be to get into Princeton. Right now I am taking an AP course and doing well in it suprisinginly but my question is...
If I work really hard for the last half of this year, and do really well junior and senior year, (including getting like 2100+ on the SAT)will I have a shot at getting into Princeton? or have I already ruined my chances with my mediorce transcript?
Any advice?</p>
<p>Zoso, I'm sorry to say it, but it doesn't look that good for you. If you had an extremely compelling reason for your grades, they might give a strong look at your application; however, the adcoms want to see more than a single AP course and a 2100+ on the SAT. If you improve MASSIVELY in your junior year (2300+ on SAT, 4-5 APs), you could also stand a chance, but colleges also look for ECs and a demonstrated "passion" in your life. My gut feeling is that you probably wont get in; I'm sorry, it's just my opinion. My advice is to get into as good of a college as you can (there <are> thousands of others) and do well there; if you show strong enough dedication, you could easily get into a top-range graduate school.</are></p>
<p>"My advice is to get into as good of a college as you can"</p>
<p>Ugh, this sounds like something a Harvard interviewer would say...</p>
<p>--</p>
<p>Anyway, although the transcript is supposedly the most important part of one's profile, don't despair. If you truly are as "intellectually gifted" as you say you are, let it show in the quality of the work you'll produce in your next two years. Write compelling and memorable essays about these difficult times in your life. Challenge yourself and have hope.</p>
<p>I've found that the reason I like Princeton so much is that, in my opinion, it makes every candidate feel "special" and "wanted." It's not an intimidating institution, and it will evaluate every aspect of your person. Grades and SATs won't be a big deal if you can prove that you are outstanding in other ways.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>To be honest, I doubt that you'll get in. There are thousands of other kids who are intellectually gifted, have strong EC's, etc. who didn't make B's, C's, and D's their first two years of high school. It seems unlikely that they would take you over them.</p>
<p>if i were an admissions officer, i would admit you. however, that is only because you are obviously a led zeppelin fan.</p>
<p>just continue to do your best and get all a's.....admissions offices look for improvement, they like to see that you've done work to succeed, rather than just gliding...(say, someone who earns all b's throughout their entire hs career).</p>
<p>All of this is only speculation. The only way you will know for sure is if you do you your best and actually apply when the time comes. Don't let anyone discourage you, because admission into colleges, especially ivys, are lottery a lot of the time. they want a diverse student body, with over acheivers and improvers working together. (and thats straight from an admissions officer's mouth).</p>
<p>"admission into colleges, especially ivys, are lottery a lot of the time"</p>
<p>True, but the better a student you are, the more tickets you'll have in the lottery basket, right?</p>
<p>true, i certainly agree that zoso should continue to raise their grades and make sure they do well on standardized tests, but even if his or her scores dont turn out to be 2300, it doesnt hurt to apply.
if you never apply, you will never know.</p>
<p>Princeton doesn't look at freshman year, so you still have a chance if you bring your grades to As RIGHT THIS SECOND. And get a 2300+ on the SATs and do some other REALLY AWESOME stuff. Though I must say... no one has a GOOD chance at Princeton, so still I wouldn't count on it.</p>