I’m currently studying at community college and I’m planning my classes accordingly to graduate at the end of this year. I’m intending to transfer to Princeton to complete my bachelors degree. Since some of you guys are smart and well-informed about American education system, I wanted to get your feedback to weigh my chance in getting into Princeton.
Oh, I’m originally from AFGHANISTAN and speak some 7 languages and also have an extensive background as a combat-linguist, served with U.S. Army Special Forces. Do you guys think that my ethnicity or work experience will help me at any point, getting into Princeton ?
@Mnh007 First, thank you for your service. Second, since this is the first time in 20+ years for Princeton to accept transfers, little is known about the process and numbers. It is really, really hard to get accepted as an international student, and then add the fact that Princeton will only be accepting a “small group” of transfers, and you get a very low chance …no matter who you are.
Yale, which has a larger student pool usually accepts 20-30 transfer students, so Princeton will likely accept less.
There won’t be many applications from Afghanistan, and if you have a unique story / personal experiences, it might help put you in the running. That plus great grades, standardized scores and recommendations. FWIW - one of my son’s roommates was from Pakistan, he was ranked #1 in the country in debate.
Thank you for your feedback.
At least, It gave me an understanding of what to expect from an Ivy League college.
So far, I have maintained a GPA of 4.00 which has at least enabled me to become member of PTK.
@GoodGrief16 I was about to list that for @Mnh007 but Princeton chose to use the phrase “and U.S. military veterans.” and OP might not be a citizen / US soldier (although served with US SOF).
I am actually US citizen. I have military POC who will write any kind of letter. On the other hand, the US congress is considering to name us “ honorary veterans” but am not sure how long will that take.
@Mnh007 I bet you have a good chance of standing out, your essays and LORs will be critical. 7 languages is impressive! I‘d look into how you can talk about your service in a way that shows the unique value you’d bring to Princeton. I truly wish you well!
Harvard loves West Pointers so maybe that will extend to Special Forces as well. Good luck !
Seven languages is amazing. Instead of transferring why not apply to be a language instructor ? Middlebury College might be another option for you as a combination student/instructor.
I have a lot to write about, experiences, struggles, sacrifices, PTSD, how I survived and how I got here. And importantly, how I saved lives of fellow servicemen from an assassination plot.
I have to look into Princeton’s essay sample.
Tbh, I have big family responsibility and a child with disability which is a constant challenge for me and my wife. I see less possibility to move out of state.
@Mnh007 Whoa! If anything, the admission counselors are going to have a heck of a time reading your essays- you have a lot of material there. With your experiences and academic record, I’d strongly encourage you to apply. Their financial aid is outstanding, and if you make under a certain bracket ($65,000 annual?), you won’t have to pay for your education. Can’t get any better than that, good luck!
@Mnh007 Hey man thanks for your service, I am a former infantryman that served in Kunar Afghanistan. I have also applied for transferring and would like to wish you the best of luck possible. I’m glad you made it over here and I hope you are successful in what ever you do.
Thank you for your support brother.
It’s always a pleasure to hear from a fellow vet. Lot iof bad memories from Kunar. Lost 2 good friends there.
I wish you the best of luck with your transfer.
