grotesque88

Well, I am a rising Junior and this will be my 4th year in the States.
I attend a midium-size public high school that is not academically challenging or motivating (in my opinion).
This year, none of the seniors from my school got accepted to Ivies,
but one went to Stanford(still not Ivy) in the previous year,
and I know two legacy kids went to Princeton a long time ago..

I took AP Econ and expect a 5, plan to take 3 AP classes(Calc BC, Physics B, Bio) next year, and 4 more the year after(Chem, Physics C, English Lit. Comp, French).
However, I pan to take 4 AP exams on my own because I am strong in History(US, World, Euro, & Government) but my school doesn't offer them.
I'm expecting 4s and 5s.
Straight As so far,
and my accumulated class rank is 1, and it looks like I will be maintaing that rank for at least next year.

The problem is my ECs. I don't stand out.
Varsity swimmer, Flutist(1st chair), editor-in-chief for Literary Magazine for next year(and hopefully the year after as well), founder of our school's Book Club, Treasurer of Key Club, competed in State Math finals(but always whitin the team, no individual records), National Honor society(elected officer), National French Society... no distinquished awards or scholarships.

SAT score is 2210 [math 800, W 730 CR 680] (but I plan to take it again next year)
and SAT II, plan to take math IIC and US History (both expecting 750-800 range) in Oct. and a Science in Dec.[700-750 range]

My major interst in political economics and international relations.
I wrote a research paper on North Korean Nuke issue this year, and attended a Philosophy seminar in University level and wrote two term papers on Plato and St. Augustine..
I am international student(citizen of Republic of Korea) and need fin. aid.


I don't know what I should do to improve my resume if I am thinking about Princeton and Columbia. (Those are my far-reach goal.)
I know it sounds ridiculous now(looking at my mediocre record -_-).
But if I improve my SATs to 2300 range, do you rhink I have some chance of getting in?
Or is my EC just too boring an mediocre that I should give up?
Would it be better if I do some significant volunteer work and community service this summer and the next?
Do you have any other schools that I should look into?

Thanks for reading my stuff, and hope some advice!

suze

Remember that at least half of the 2400s get turned down. You sound like you've achieved a lot for having been in this country only 4 years. You really have a shot, but so do many others. Apply, but really, keep in mind how random it is.

grotesque88

Thank you Suze for your comment. I guess I have a shot but shouldn't be expecting too much.

I would really appreciate other feedbacks.

shrek2004

I think you have a great chance at Princeton, you should definitely apply (don't lose hope). Remember, many people believe that it is important to have a plethora of extra-curricular activities, but that is not always the case. The most important is your dedication to these clubs. I would suggest you to use your optional recommendation (Princeton provides 1 optional recommendation) on your most dedicated/important EC. If you can show your dedication to your activities, then that is what is important.

Remember, Suze's comment is only half-the-story. Yes, Princeton has the highest rejection of perfect-SAT-scorers, however, as many books have already stated, many students who receive perfect scores fail in other areas. You, however, are not the case.

Princeton's application is, what I found, to be the most personal of all college applications. The essays are different. Focus on your essays, because through your essays, you can show how you are unique from others that also participate in your ECs. You are given 3 mandatory essays (1 long, 2 shorter) and an optional essay which most people do.

Other schools you should look at for political science/international relations are definitely Harvard and Georgetown School of Foreign Services. These two are also very selective schools/programs and among the best.

grotesque88

Thank you for your comment shrek2004 .
I know that Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton is definately one of the nation's best. But I will look into Georgetown's program as well.
And for the essays, I was wondering if they can be longer than what they are supposed to be. Cause it's really hard for me to condense them down to 250 words and 500 words.. But I don't want to type it too small or anything cause I heard rumors Admin. officers don't like small fonts..
Anyway thanks for your help!

SDFried

Generally, american schools deny financial aid to international students. You may need to check to see if this is the case for Princeton.

shrek2004

Princeton does not deny financial aid to international students.

iwantfood

Chill, you still have more than a year before application time...