<p>Hi all, I frequented this forum over a year ago when I was an Ivy League obsessed sophomore looking for any possible piece of advice that could help me get into a school such as Princeton. Since then, I've mellowed out and have actually done activities that I love and care about. Although I have a 4.0 average (my SAT score is coming back next week so I don't know yet... should be good though!), I've had plenty of time to do what I like. I'm president of the debate team, editor of the school newspaper, founder of a Young Politician's club, an active member of two leadership committees, a part-time worker outside of school, and an avid martial arts enthusiast. Unfortunately, my interests lie in the engineering field. Although I should get excellent scores on the SAT math II and physics subject tests, I'm afraid that my extracurriculars don't show enough passion towards that field. Does Princeton just care about passion in the field they are planning on entering, or passion in general? I think that I clearly show passion towards politics (and my martial arts activities could be considered interesting haha), but just because I like talking about the subject outside of school doesn't necessarily mean that it's my favorite class by far! I did a short engineering program once during the summer but there really aren't many other opportunities for engineers offered in my area or at my school. Is this going to hurt me? What do you recommend I do? Any comments about my profile? Any advice in general for future applicants? </p>
<p>Princeton considers how you have used the opportunities available to you. You’ve moved away from trying to stage your application by doing what you love so I’d encourage you to stay on that track in terms of your EC’s. In your engineering essay when you apply you will have ample opportunity to express your passion and why you would be a great addition to the engineering department there. If you do have any interest in research and there is a good university close by that you might volunteer at, that might be a consideration. It can be a challenge to land these kinds of opportunities but it is doable. </p>
<p>Academically, have you done any AP courses? Math and physics preparation are by far the most important as a BSE student and the adcoms will be looking for strong preparation in these areas. Engineering is extremely rigorous at Princeton so you will want to be well prepared. Java programming is another area you could do preparation work in - COS 126 is a requirement for all BSE students and the material is covered very quickly (we heard a rumor - from a Yale student - that the same material is covered over 2 semesters at Yale so that gives you an idea of the speed at which it moves). </p>
<p>My son who is a BSE sophomore at Princeton really loves his department and courses so far this year. The first year was a bit of a grind getting through all the general requirements but he’s loving the actual engineering courses. </p>
<p>Okay, thanks! The problem is that I have a job and will most likely have to work as a camp counselor this summer (after all, I need a way to contribute to that Princeton education!) so there isn’t a whole lot of time for research :-< However, I was thinking that I could volunteer at a local hospital or something after work? It certainly isn’t a research position but it’s somewhat science-y? If I learned Java would I include this in the essays to show some self-motivation and interest? </p>
<p>And I am going to take AP Calculus AB next year as a senior… my school doesn’t have anything past that though. I am taking AP Physics B now though and they’re thinking about instating AP Physics C next year but they’re not sure yet. I’ll definitely take the SAT II in Physics and Math II this year though and should do well on both!</p>
<p>bump 10char</p>
<p>The idea about research was only a suggestion of something you could pursue that might be engineering related. I would focus on the AP courses if your time is limited. Working through self-taught courses shows initiative and could be included in either EC’s or in an essay if it fits well with the theme of your essay. My son’s school didn’t offer any AP’s so he had to self study - it’s challenging but it can be done. But what you are doing sounds great. Good luck to you! </p>
<p>Okay, thanks Cantinger! So research isn’t too important for admissions? Or would it help tremendously if I did that rather than take on the summer jobs that I expected? What about selective, free engineering organized summer programs?</p>
<p>Also, a boy might be recruited for sports from my school. Will this affect my chances if I were to apply early?</p>
<p>Unless you are essentially an identical applicant, no it does not affect your chances. Coaches have a certain number of athletes they can support through the application process each year. His chances of admission would be based on how strong he is as an athlete and whether he falls within the required academic index for athletes. You, on the other hand, will be competing against all the other applicants with similar strengths as you bring to the process. I am not aware of any soft quotas based on number of applicants accepted by school. </p>