<p>What is your approximate overall GPA for the last 3 years? If I just average the figures you posted, you have about 3.5, which roughly translates to an 88. Is that correct?</p>
<p>If so, that’s kind of low for Princeton and other selective colleges, as MORE weight is placed on the rigor of your course load and GPA rather than your test scores and EC’s. You might want to consider applying to a broad range of non-binding schools in the early round (MIT, UChicago, Georgetown, Your State School) and apply to Princeton and Swarthmore in the RD round.</p>
<p>And please don’t take my word for it, listen to Princeton’s Dean of Admissions: [Part</a> 1: Answers From Princeton’s Dean of Admission - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/24/guidance-office-princeton-answers-1/]Part”>Part 1: Answers From Princeton's Dean of Admission - The New York Times)</p>
<p>"We look first at the transcript that is sent by your secondary school, and we evaluate the rigor of your program and the grades you have received. If you are in our applicant pool, we expect that you have taken the most demanding academic program offered at your school. You will be challenged when you get to our campus, and we want to be sure you are well prepared to handle our college courses.</p>
<p>We are looking not just at your potential, but at your performance. If you had a slow start to your studies in high school, we hope to see academic improvement.</p>
<p>We then review the recommendation letters that are sent by your teachers and guidance counselor. We read your essay and assess your extracurricular activities, how you have spent your summers, if you have had a job or were engaged in community service, what you may have done outside of school, and any other supporting material.</p>
<p>Admission officers understand that standardized tests measure quantitative ability, critical reading, an understanding of some subject areas, and writing skills. Combined with your grades, they only partially predict first-year performance in college. They do not predict, however, other values we hold in high esteem at the college level, such as motivation, creativity, independent thought, intellectual curiosity and perseverance.</p>
<p>When we shape our class, we look for students who will continually challenge themselves and contribute to a lively exchange of knowledge and ideas in the classroom. We seek students whose interests are varied and who have a record of accomplishment in athletics or the arts. We look for qualities that will help them become leaders in their fields and in their communities."</p>