Can I get into Princeton?

Question

I have a 4.83 GPA, i have all honors classes, im taking two languages, im a sophomore but I will be graduating early my junior year, I participate in student council and in other school-community programs. I also took the PSAT and did great without even studying. The only thing is that i dont do sports, i did soccer for one season but got hurt. so what are my chances to get in? is it a good idea to challenge myself and graduate early? and which SAT subject tests should I take?

Answer 1

Conceptually, yes, you could get in, and it isn't really our place to tell you what to do here. It's your decision.

However, Princeton admits only 13%ish of applicants; there are many hyper-qualified students who don't get in. I would include other, top-notch/excellent schools in your consideration set (e.g. the other Ivies, Williams, Amherst, Stanford, Bowdoin, Colby, Wesleyan, Middlebury, etc.) Check them out and see what you think!

That said, I do think you should consider staying that extra year. Get into some leadership positions with the school-community programs. Do some additional community service. Find something you're passionate about, start it now (if you haven't already) and carry it right through your senior year. If it's helping kids, for example... volunteer to tutor younger kids, fundraise to make charitable donations to a childrens' cause, etc. Take the "theme" and run with it in a few different directions, including taking initiative.

Take a few AP courses (e.g. Euro or US History, Statistics, Calculus, Bio, etc.) your Junior year (and senior, if you're still there!) and/or take one extra course. Or...see if you can do an "independent study" or "advanced tutorial" (at my teen's private school you get a teacher to sponsor you on a topic, set your curriculum, work one-on-one with the teacher throughout the year, make a presentation to the faculty and student body at the end...graded like an additional honors course.) Or, see if any teachers will let you be a Teacher's Assistant next year. Even if just for a pass/fail grade, or for another notch in your "service" belt.

See if there's any sport you could play...or maybe you could be a team's "manager" ... attending all games, helping to track statistics, keep score, etc.

Do things to help you grow, and to help you differentiate yourself from the other uber-qualified people who apply to Princeton. You aren't there yet, I don't think.

Re: SAT Subject Tests, the top schools want at least three, and typically they want a math plus two others...in your case perhaps language and ??? Bio? Or a History? (Really it depends on what you've studied in school and are prepared to take.)

Speak with your school's college counselor about all of this. Hopefully he/she is in a better position to guide you through this.

Answer 2

Sounds like your numbers are all good, but you might have an obstacle getting in if you graduate early. Princeton undergraduate is very extensive and challenging, and the board seems very concerned that their students are serious and mature enough to handle the challenge. So, if you do graduate early, you should gear your entrance essays and interview towards persuading the admissions board that you're mature enough to understand the magnitude of going to a prestigious undergraduate institution.
My personal advice though? You seem to be an overachiever, which is an absolutely great quality, but you'll find yourself missing out on a lot too. High school wasn't the greatest experience, and I know it isn't for most people, but the social experiences that you get in high school can't be replaced. I wouldn't skip that year. Think about how different you are, than when you started high school. You might be in a totally different place a year from now. Don't rush it.

Answer 3

I am a former college admissions counselor, so the following is my viewpoint on your question. Know, though, that I worked for a much smaller private school, and that this is only one view.

I would suggest that you spend all 4 years at high school. Schools such as Princeton need to see school involvement...including social involvement...on your records. Graduating early (while an amazing academic feat), isn't great for your social record. Take your time! You'll be a "grown-up" soon enough. Also please know that a 4.83 is weighted, and schools such as Princeton won't look at the weighted scores...take a look at your grades and figure out what you'd have on a 4.0 scale (not a 5.0 scale), and guage it from there. Good luck to you!!!

Answer 4

Don't graduate early. Take the time in high school to make everything as flawless as you can.
As for SAT subject tests, take a range of subjects. Don't take 2 science or 2 english tests.
Also, don't put too much stake into getting into one of those schools. There are probably 10000 kids applying with the same stats as you. Less than 2000 get in. You may be one of them, you may not. I wasn't.

Answer 5

Sounds good. Are you taking French or Spanish? Also schools, like you to be involved in your community. Special olympics, candy stripers. Helping tutor a disabled child. If you are mature enough it does no harm to graduate early. The subject test in Biology E/M is a good one to take. For more information on what tests you should take, visit the Subject Test preparation center. Good luck.

Answer 6

Good lord girl, slow down before your give yourself a headache.

Anyone thats trying that hard to get into a Ivy League school is bound to succeed. I commend you on that. And you will do fine, very fine. I mean... hell... you have almost a 5.0 Gpa

How is that possible anyway?

Answer 7

Try Stanford Tiger Woods Went There.

Answer 8

nope...tht skool is WAY to intense...

Answer 9

never