plau93
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:08:27 +0000

DO I HAVE A CHANCE AT PRINCETON?

I am an Asian American born in the United States, but I live in Hong Kong. I go to international school here, where I did the British GCSEs and am currently studying the International Baccalaureate, IB.

My GCSE Grades are as follows:

English Language: B
English Literature: B
Math: A*
Additional Math: A
History: A
Double Science (Physics, Biology and Chemistry):A, A
Business Studies: A*
Chinese: A*
Drama: B

I understand that these are not that great, as I am relatively weak in English. However, I also understand that they are keen on improvement and so far I have been doing well in IB. My IB predicted grades are as follows:

Math HL: 7
Physics HL: 7
Economics HL: 7
English SL: 5
Chinese BSL: 7
Chemistry SL: 7

When choosing my subjects I chose subjects that would boost my score to the maximum (i.e. Chinese BSL as I am Chinese, this is relatively easy for me.) However, English was compulsory and I am not so good at it. Typical Asian: Math, Physics pro but terrible at English, nothing I could do, its in my genes! =)

Standardized test scores:

SAT I Reasoning:
1st in 9th grade - 740 Math, 580 Critical Reading, 570 Writing (Essay 8/12)
2nd in 11th grade - 2250 800 Math, 700 Critical Reading, 750 Writing (Essay 11/12)

SAT II Subject Tests:
Math II - 800
Physics - 800
Chemistry - 800

AP Exams (Outside of school, just the exam):
Calculus BC - 5
Physics - 5

These are okay, although I know my SAT I could still improve. I would like recommendations regarding that. (And yes, unfortunately I am a math and physics nerd.)

Co-curricular activities:

Deputy Head Boy - (i.e. Deputy Head Prefect)
School Student Council member
School Chess team member - 3yrs
School Volleyball team member - 2 yrs
Chess Club - vice president
Inter-house Volleyball team - Captain
Inter-house Table Tennis team - Captain
School Yearbook team
School Choir - 4 yrs
10% (an energy saving/environmental group in school) - Project Manager
School Environmental Management Committee - Chairman

Scout in Hong Kong - 7yrs (served as scout troop leader)
Mensa Hong Kong - 2 yrs (not sure whether to include this or not as it might make me seem arrogant, especially when achievements is what they look at, not potential.)

Hooks: Father studied in Princeton for graduate school. (I know that this is not as good as undergrad legacy, but I hope this also helps)

Princeton University has always been my top choice college ever since I was a kid.

The above is all I can think of now, if I have not listed stuff you want to you, please ask.

Sorry for how long the post is and Thank You in advance for your advice

So, you recon I’ve got a shot at Princeton?