What Are My Chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>Thanks for any input you can offer.</p>

<p>Texan
Black/First-generation American
Middle Class
Brother currently attending Princeton</p>

<p>PSAT: 230
SAT: 2310-CR800/M790/W720 (First try, retaking in June)
Subject Tests: Literature, US History and Math I (Taking in June)</p>

<p>UW GPA: 3.85 for soph/junior year
W GPA: 4.7 for soph/junior year
Class Rank: Not yet released, but relatively low due to poor grades freshman year. Grades show a strong trend upwards.
Courseload: 6 IB classes</p>

<p>ECs</p>

<p>Debate
Captain (09-10, one must be a senior in order to be captain)
Ranked top 10-ish overall by the National Forensics League
10th in Student Congress as a freshman
2nd in Impromptu Speaking as a sophomore
Quarterfinalist in Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking as a sophomore
Strong contender for national finals this year
3rd at State in Foreign Extemp
2nd at State in Public Forum Debate
Debater since grade 6
Have written a few hundred pages of original material/argumentation since freshman year
Strong interest in pursuing Parliamentary Debate in college</p>

<p>Young Democrats</p>

<p>Extremely active, leading member since freshman year
Running for club president this year
Volunteered in/recruited for several congressional campaigns
Helped organize election-related events (Debates, rallies, etc.) during '08 election</p>

<p>Theatre</p>

<p>A new, but enthusiastically pursued interest
Acted in three plays this year: Two male leads and one supporting</p>

<p>Personal Pursuits/Hobbies</p>

<p>Avid writer of poetry and prose
Currently writing a fiction manuscript for which I plan to seek publication this summer
Self-teaching in guitar (1 year) / general music theory (Like pulling teeth, but I like the challenge)</p>

<p>Recs</p>

<p>Counselor: Very strong
Teacher: Extremely, extremely, extremely strong.</p>

<p>Whaddya think?</p>

2

<p>I think because of your credentials and race, you’re in. Only thing I see that needs to be raised is the GPA.</p>

3

<p>Actually, you aren’t really in because of your race. You are only in because of race if you are underqualified. Right now I don’t think you actually qualify under affirmative action…</p>

4

<p>i think your GPA is fine. just write great essays, and you have a good chance.</p>

5

<p>^^ and no that is not true. they will commend the OP for shining above any hardships. It is common for many underqual URMs to gett in, but of course they would pick a qualified URM over an underqualified one…
Just because the OP is successful, it doesnt mean they cant include him in their stats for African-Americans admitted!</p>

6

<p>WHAT??? These stats are amazing… If you dont get into Princeton, you’ll get into Brown, Dartmouth or Columbia. I mean, you really do stand out. The thing is- and it horrifies me to say this- I think Harvard dont really care about URM stauts anymore(shocker, I know). Princeton seems like a good option for you. Dont worry if you dont get in though, your bound to get into a top 10 school.</p>