<p>the mysteries of a hook
I have questions about the nature of a "hook."</p>
<p>1.) Does my filmmaking abilities count as a hook? My films have been shown at San Diego Theaters, my documentaries were shown International Baccalaureate Teacher's Conferences worldwide, I won a national history documentary competition (NHD - 1st at California, 3rd at nationals), I have been to festivals, my movies were shown at local tv channels, etc.</p>
<p>2.) If the above is not a hook, What is a hook?</p>
<p>Also I didn't enter many competitions because I MADE FILMS IN ORDER TO SERVE OTHERS NOT SERVE MYSELF!
Sounds like b.s. but I myself know my films/documentaries/advertisements are good enough to be shown at local tv stations, international gathering of teachers, a national contest, etc. etc. So in theory I could have spent all my time doing movies for contests and stuff, and I would have won many awards. (Trying not to be pretentious...) But majority of my movies are for teachers, students, even children in Tanzania (to show them how to string tennis racquets and play tennis as part of a well-renowned tennis project I founded a year ago).</p>
<p>Finally, I know princeton doesn't have filmmaking classes. The reason I am emphasizing filmmaking is because I want to take the knowledge gained from princeton in Engineering, Math, and History (subjects which i have tons of ec's and awards, and subjects which princeton is strong in) and promulgate this knowledge through film/advertisement/documentaries. Serve my nations. All nations. :)</p>
<p>Well, I'd say that would be a good enough "hook." If you're going early decision and have the right gpa/test scores etc. and represent your film skills very well (not unlike you have done here), then I would predict that you'd get in.</p>
<p>i haven't sent in the arts supplement...but all my teachers / counselors will talk about my filmmaking...should I justify why I haven't sent it in? Or should I send them in NOW next day shipping?</p>
<p>Well, it would be a little odd to have all of your recs talk about your passion for filmmaking and not have you take advantage of the Arts supplement. But I wouldn't sweat the overnight mail -- they'll be updating folders as new material comes in, and they've got to read the apps they've got before they can go to committee. You've got plenty of time.</p>
<p>Plus, this week is midterms and next week is Fall Break. There won't be many faculty around to assess your submission for awhile, anyway.</p>
<p>IF this is a hook, about what scores do I need in order to have a GOOD chance of getting into Princeton?</p>
<p>I am one of the top ranked tennis player in NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, I won state and national awards for both Science Olympiad and National History day, and I also work part-time cuz my family's low income...bad background. So basically my ec's taken care of. I am just worried about the SAT scores....</p>
<p>GPA i'm not worried about either cuz I am in top 2-3% in a ultra competitive school with B's only in my freshmen year.</p>
<p>gqunit -
Your film making is definitely a hook. Princeton has been pushing the arts, recently got a $101 million dollar grant to expand the arts at Princeton, and even has plans for developing a campus arts neighborhood (Daily Princetonian 9/19/06).</p>
<p>Typical scores are in the 700's, but it all depends on your profile all around. There are some who make it in with a high 600, low 700s, some hooks and amazing essays and ec's.<br>
If you already have an additional recommendation for the arts supplement like that you used for Stanford, you should include it. </p>
<p>You sound very talented and well rounded with your film making abilities, tennis, science, & history accomplishments. Be sure to include in your application your need to work to contribute to your family's income. Colleges generally look very favorably on a student's sense of responsibility in this area, if it is consistent with what is on the FAFSA.</p>