Should I apply to Princeton Engineering?
Here are my stats (I might be missing some points):
-4.55: Weighted GPA (My school doesn’t use unweighted, but I calculated it to be a 3.82)
-35: ACT (1 Attempt)
-800: Math II SAT
-780: World History SAT
-740: Physics SAT (9th Grade)
-Very rigorous course load since freshman year (most rigorous classes offered at my school)
-4 AP’s by end of junior year (Max. of 5 at my school by junior year)
-Regional Science Fair Winner
-Currently, I run a business club at my high school
-A Tutor in the tutoring center
-First chair in the orchestra. We play at community service events throughout the year
-Researching investment techniques and creating a project to teach to other highschoolers these techniques
-Heavily involved (18h a week) in varsity athletics; however, not at Princeton’s D1 level
-Expecting excellent teacher recommendations
-Done CTY for 2 years
-Go to school in western PA
-My high school does not rank students
If you have any advice, it would be helpful to let me know. In addition, if you don’t think that I would be able to get into Princeton, could you please elaborate a little on why and what changes would be necessary? Thanks.
you’ll find out soon enough
I still have a year - I’m a junior. @billybobby54
@billybobby54 he/she hasn’t applied yet.
@quartzmuffin628 From what I have learned in this college admissions process, I can say that your chances are pretty good (get that SAT Physics up though) but Princeton is still a crapshoot even for perfect scoring researching all-rounders.
I plan on retaking the physics SAT later this year, and yeah, I’m nervous about Princeton rejecting a lot of really qualified applicants. Thanks for the feedback @IlluminatiIsReal
You are a competitive applicant. Your ECs, however, should be a little more focused on engineering. Does your school have a FIRST Robotics club? Science Olympiad club? Math team? If not, you should start these. Since your ECs don’t all relate to engineering, make sure you highlight your interest in your application. Write amazing essays and you could get accepted
@quartzmuffin628
You are a strong candidate. However most students that apply are also strong candidates. Your SATs & GPA are very competitive. I recommend that you look at the Admission Statistics. See: https://admission.princeton.edu/how-apply/admission-statistics Your teacher recommendations will be important. Decide on the teachers that you will use for your recommendation. Stay involved with those teachers. For example, if you use your Junior math teacher do not show up one week before the recommendations are due and ask for their recommendation. Talk to the teacher the first week of school in the fall. Tell them early that you loved their course and you want to pursue math and engineering in college. Do not discount your athletics; they show a substantial time commitment and dedication. Learn about the Princeton non varsity activities in your sports. For example, if there is a club sport you might mention in your alumni interview that you would like to play club tennis at Princeton. Perhaps continue in the science fair your senior year. Can you work on the project now? Another win would be good. Can you place on a regional or state orchestra? If Princeton is your first choice consider applying early action. The admissions office says that there is no advantage applying EA; however, the admission rates are higher and there is no disadvantage. Good Luck. I hope that you become a future Tiger!
@PtonAlumnus Thank you for the insightful advice! I just asked my teachers for recs and I feel pretty optimistic!
Your stats are great, but so will the majority of other applicants who will be applying to Princeton next year. Unless you have a significant hook, chancing really doesn’t mean anything. Nothing about your stats really stands out. All one can say to you is “Yes, you have a chance”, no more, no less. You say that you are an athlete devoting at least 18 hours a week to your sport. Have you at least discuss with the Princeton coach if you are either recruitable or at the very least be given admission support?
@quartzmuffin628 Your Princeton supplements will need to be unique, creative, and informative of who you are. That is the key besides amazing stats to getting into Princeton.
No guarantees though. Anything could happen. Remember to look at other schools as well and create a balanced college list.
I have thought about reaching out to the Princeton coach; however, Princeton is very competitive athletically, probably the most so among the Ivy’s. I don’t think that I can do varsity at princeton. @noanswers
@quartzmuffin628 Nothing will be lost if you email the coach with your academic and athletic stats and perhaps asked you can have an unofficial meeting on campus. Many athletes who are top in their sports may not have the academic credentials to pass admissions at Princeton. Somethings the coaches may recruit a slightly weaker athlete in favor for their high grades to bring up the total team academic index. So if you are being overly modest by saying you aren’t a Div 1 level, but indeed a very good athlete, it can’t hurt to contact the coach to see what your chance of recruitment would be. An athletic hook to any Ivy school is a tremendous admission advantage.
@quartzmuffin628
If you enjoy music and are a good musician you should consider submitting a recording of your playing your instrument. The recordings are evaluated by a member of the music faculty. Princeton has several dozen musical groups. Music is a big part of the Princeton experience. There is very little you can do during the summer to enhance your application. Making a great recording is one of the few things you can do this summer.
Read about the Optional Arts form here: https://admission.princeton.edu/how-apply/application-checklist/optional-arts-form Click on “paper Optional Arts Form” to learn more now.
From the Optional Arts Form:
Please submit 10- to 15-minutes from a major solo sonata or concerto that displays contrasting examples of both technique and expression. Please do not submit any ensemble work unless there is a prominently featured solo. Recordings of major orchestral excerpts are acceptable (for example, the trumpet solos in Stravinsky’s Petrushka).
Good Luck.
@PtonAlumnus thank you. I was considering doing that!!!