<p>As a Princeton hopeful (first choice and all that good stuff) who has not won an international award, saved a small country, etc. I am wondering if it's worth using my early application for Princeton. This isn't a chance me thread; I won't go into too many details about my resume. I bring the stats to the table; but so does everyone else. Is it worth it? Any advice is appreciated.</p>
<p>Same here… I feel I cannot compete with those “ideal” students. I have not done anything “special” during my lifetime. I am also hesitating on schools to apply early at–even though Princeton is #1 (tied with Columbia). But yes, I know what you mean. You do not want to feel like you waisted your time on the application if you get rejected… </p>
<p>Bottom lineis … IT IS WORTH IT! If a Princeton education is what you aspire for, reach for it, regardless of the strifes obstructing your path to obtain it. Follow what you want to do, not what others suggest you to do. One only knows what is best and most convenient for oneself.</p>
<p>I know what you mean, but I think that if you really want to go to Princeton you should apply. It can’t hurt to have a reach school on your list.</p>
<p>As a side note, I thought the same thing about my top pick, Stanford. I was positive I wouldn’t get in and almost didn’t apply because of my doubts. My parents convinced me to at least try. I was admitted REA to Stanford earlier this year. I didn’t win any international awards/save a country and thought that compared to so many qualified applicants I didn’t really have a shot. It never hurts to try, you should go for it!</p>
<p>If you really want Princeton, then you should apply. It’s quite an experience to go through such a selective admissions process whether or not you get accepted.</p>
<p>just out of curiosity, what do you guys mean by 'save a country?"… :X</p>
<p>^^^^^it is an expression intended to imply an extremely high level of achievement by a high school student</p>
<p>Dude, I can safely tell you that if I were to choose between being a prospective applicant who shies away from applying because ‘I’m not good enough’ and being where I am now- hopelessly waiting for D-day though I have a -100% chance of getting in…</p>
<p>I’d choose the latter blindly.</p>
<p>Heck I’m already planning to do it all over again next year as a transfer XD</p>
<p>PS- (I’d like to think) I’m not an over-optimistic hippie, I’m just a rational dreamer who knows what I’ve worked my a** off for all my life, and who isn’t afraid of reality hitting back with a ‘I’m still not good enough’ rejection letter ;)</p>
<p>Hope I helped you decide. Cheers!</p>
<p>Correction- just remembered Princeton doesn’t have a transfer program LOL XD haha, talk about over-excitement</p>
<p>I made up my mind a long time ago that I would apply early and I was merely curious on other people’s opinions. I’m glad some other people know the save a small country expression…when I posted this I was worried no one would get it.</p>
<p>@lagging: Congratulations on your acceptance to Stanford!</p>
<p>Apply early. I applied to Columbia early D with no hope and am now a part of the class of 2016. I’m not an international winner or a nation saver- just a guy who loves what I do and strives to be different.</p>
<p>You sound like someone I met who is attending Columbia next year! Thanks for the advice man it means a lot.</p>
<p>Be passionate in what you love, and dont be afraid to show it! </p>
<p>And who knows, you might defy the odds! A girl in my class claimed she’d eat a tire if i got into Princeton :P</p>
<p>@Acrylic salmon: Did she? 
And what do you feel was the most important part of your application in setting you apart?</p>
<p>haha no, i wish she did. </p>
<p>My essays, EC’s, volunteering, and work experience all involved bikes. Whether that was working in a bike shop, volunteering at a bike velodrome, founding a cycling club at my school, or just biking a **** ton over summer. It was, in essence, my niche. Im not standard Ivy contender in the least respect. My grades and classes were excellent, but nowhere near the caliber of some CC’ers. (check my stats if you’re curious)</p>
<p>When i first stumbled on here back in early junior year, I flipped out. I became paranoid about grades, leadership, and volunteering. I forced myself into classes i didnt care about, manipulated my schedule to boost my GPA, and alienated my friends and passions to fit this dumb CC archetype. It took a while, but I realized that it just wasn’t “me”. So last summer, I dropped it all. As cheesy as it sounds, I followed my heart. I went on adventures, tried new things, and had the time of my life. And thats what got me into Princeton.</p>