<p>I’m really interested in Princeton, but coming from a small town, I feel really left out. I see all of you with so many AP exams and SAT subject tests, which almost no one in my school ever takes them (I didn’t even hear about them until this year) I’m basically the top of my class, but I don’t really have much recognition on the national level…
ok, my stats:
SAT I: 760CR, 760M, 700W
SATIIs: haven’t taken yet
GPA:4.0
Courseload:from a small school, I have the highest classes my school offers in math, english, social studies, and spanish, but I have only 3 years of science (highest is physics)
I’m a national merit semifinalist, and I had an article published in Sweet Sixteen Magazine (a national publication) along with numerous articles in my local newspaper
I know I’ll get a really good recommendation from my spanish teacher, since I took the initiative to study spanish over the summer so I could move up to the next spanish class
I took a college class in economics from a nearby community college over the summer
I attended Girls state and was really involved there
As long as I keep my 4.o, I will be my class valedictorian (one of about 7 people with 4.0s)
I have lots of activities, but I haven’t really stood out that much in them
I’ve been in band, drama and track for 4 years
I was chosen as an Elks Lodge Student of the Month as a junior, even though our lodge almost invariably chooses seniors
I think I can get a pretty good essay, but I’m worried about my interview. I have trouble talking to people I don’t know…
let me know what you think…</p>
<p>Interviews have very little bearing on the actual application process. Don’t worry about it too much.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about coming from a small town. From the AO’s perspective, sometimes that’s a refreshing change. As long as you have taken advantage of the opportunities you’ve had available, you won’t be at a disadvantage compared to other applicants.</p>
<p>The interview isn’t likely to make or break you, so don’t worry too much on that front. The alumni who do the interviews are almost universally nice and very excited about Princeton. You can’t go wrong asking them about their experiences – that ought to put your interviewer in a very good mood!</p>