What are my chances at Princeton?

<p>I am a sophomore in on of the top 100 schools in Texas. I am number 14/395 (3.5%) in my school with a GPA of a 4.0 unweighted. I am an active member in theatre and ITS (International Thespian Society) and am vice president of my ITS chapter, I have been in 6 plays as 5 leads, I am in my school's varsity theatre program, I am a member of NHS, I will be taking part in my schools speech and debate team, I have become a school mentor, and I take part in my schools science competition team. This year I took AP Bio (91), AP World History (90), PreAP Chem. (93), PreAP Algebra II (93), PreAP English II (93), Principles of business (98), Spanish III (97), and Varsity Theatre (100) without any of the 5-10 point curves. My classes for next year are AP chemistry, AP physics B, AP US History, PreAP precalculus, AP English III, Oral Interpretation (speech/debate), Varsity Theatre II, and PreAP computer science. I took the PSAT and it gave me a range score of about 1800 without studying and the PLAN gave me a score range of about 28-32 on the ACT. I plan on both of those being higher. I am also taking the SAT II biology subject test in June. With my so far credentials, what are my chances at Princeton if I do as I plan on the SAT/ACT (2200/32-35)?</p>

<p>You can’t plan to get a 2200 on the SAT. Also, 180 on the PSAT doesn’t automatically translate to a 1800 on the SAT. Even still, you wouldn’t get into Princeton. You have taken the easiest classes of your high school career so right now, 4.0 doesn’t mean much. Also, being into drama isn’t what Princeton is really looking for. Why do you even want to go there if you are so into the arts? You’d have a better shot at a liberal arts college like Wesleyan or Wiliiams College with your talent. Have you looked there?</p>

<p>No. Due to unsecured financial opportunities I am planning on going to school for something that will at least translate somewhat into profit. Arts don’t give that sort of cushion. </p>

<p>Since admission is extremely subjective it’s really difficult to answer your question about chances, and even more difficult without some actual scores on the tests that will be submitted with your application. Having said that, your 4.0 GPA and involvement in drama do form an important component of your application and will be part of creating a clear “picture” for admissions to see who you are and what you are about, as will your AP coursework. The only concise “chance” any of us can give you is, “around 7%”. That’s the approximate admission rate for this year. </p>

<p>In your post you didn’t indicate what you were intending to study or “why Princeton”. If you have clarity about these two questions, you’ll position yourself best by developing your skills and investing your time in those areas that you are most passionate about. Build relationships with people who will be able to provide strong references so they know you well when it comes time to ask them (and you might learn a thing or two from them in the meantime!). Take time to research each of the schools (some that are a “reach” and some that are a “fit”) where you will apply, keeping in mind you will spend four years of your life there. When it comes time to write your own essays, work hard and invite input from a couple trusted sources. Beyond that, after the applications are submitted forget about the “reach” schools and focus on the “fits” for you. Even for a very well prepared student, a less than 10% admission rate is a long shot!</p>

<p>By the way, while you are doing your research, you might want to check out some of the great theatre productions done at Princeton in the last few years, as well as the developing Arts and Transit neighborhood. The arts are alive and well at Princeton!</p>

<p>Don’t listen to sugarbubbletea, there is no activity Princeton is or is not looking for. They just look for students who excel at whatever it is they do.</p>