<p>Orrican, hey nice to meet you, or should I say in Hebrew “nayim mayod!” I am of Israeli origin as well (at least on my father’s side, he was born in Haifa back in 1954), and I have a lot of relatives over in Israel today since my dad’s brother resettled in Netanya 20 odd years ago. My cousin is going into the Israeli army this year, and hopefully I will get to visit him before he starts basic training. My two other cousins have also gone through the army as well. </p>
<p>I’m glad you’re looking at Princeton. I was accepted there this year and will entering the Class of '10 this fall. It appears you have a lot of accomplishments to your name, and you have very impressive test scores (even better than mine). I think your resume looks pretty solid, especially the #of EC’s you have. However, I think joining some other kinda of clubs/organization of other ethnic/racial groups just to show that you are very open and interested in many different cultures would be a good thing for you to do. I don’t know if you have or not, but you should try doing a good amount of community service. I know a lot of Jewish groups and organizations do a heck of a lot of community service, and committment in that arena will only add more highlights to your app. </p>
<p>In addition, a surefire way of impressing an admissions officer is to heavily research Princeton, its programs, the various aspects of life and show them how you feel you will fit into the whole Princeton world IN DETAIL. Tell them what classes you want to take, what professors you would like to meet (researching the professors always gives bonus points) and what extracurriculars you would like to do that Princeton offers and why. Tell them about your work ethic and your learning style, if you’re a very independent learner tell them about that, and tell them what about YOU fits with what PRINCETON stands for. It will only mean the best. </p>
<p>Finally, don’t worry about what ignorant media-brainwashed crackpots say about Israel. I put on my application that my favorite website was “Ha’aretz Online”, so I guess they didn’t take offense. Princeton is a very balanced university, and a recent article in the Daily Princetonian will prove that: <a href=“http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2006/04/04/opinion/15055.shtml[/url]”>http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2006/04/04/opinion/15055.shtml</a></p>
<p>All I can say is to keep your grades up, and the way you look in your application, your recommendations, and your interview (if you get one) can decide whether you’re in or you’re out. Otherwise you’re lookin good. </p>
<p>P.S. If you have an IM address, I would enjoy talking with you. It’s very rare that I meet Israelis anymore.</p>