How can I become a more competitive applicant

Colleges & Universities Princeton University
1

Hey everyone, I usually just view the threads without responding or commenting. Mostly because I am only a sophomore in high school and can’t answer college related questions. Anyways, I’m looking for some helpful tips to help my odds at Princeton. I fell in love with the school as soon as I saw pictures of the campus and have only just begun to learn about the classes and majors offered there. Princrton has quickly become my number one (probably shouldn’t fall in love with such a competitive school). It is also worth mentioning that my family could really use Princeton’s generous financial aid. While we are relatively high in the income bracket (150k+), Princeton’s financial aid is amazing even with the upper middle class.

As a Sophomore here is what I am doing
GPA:4.0 (hope to maintain)
ACT:Got a 32 on a timed “real act” practice test. Hope to get it up to a 34-35
SAT: No studying or practice because I’ve heard they will be changing it significantly.
AP: taking psych this year. Will take Us history, Econ, Gov, and Literature junior year.
Awards: How do I even attempt at getting these?
ECs: Baseball (not varsity due to highly competitive sports school)
Psych club (hope to maybe get some form of leadership)
2 different volunteering clubs
Church volunteering summer trip
Training for a half marathon to run with my dad for charity (the same charity that provided me with free surgery that allows me to run)

Please note, I understand how competitive Princeon is. I’m just looking to increase my odds for college in general. Any help is appreciated and honesty is highly valued.

2

What type of surgery did you have that you needed the charity for? Try to expand your interest to other colleges. Try not to make getting into a college your job sophomore year. Read Chris Peterson’s blog Applying Sideways. It is relevant to you even if you have no interest in MIT. http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/applying_sideways

Do you have more than one thread about this or are there a ton of sophomores thinking about Princeton?

3

I don’t want to go into to much detail about the surgery but it had to do with my Achilles’ tendon.

I am interested in a wide range of schools but figured I’d post this thread under my number one.

Not really sure what you mean about the last part of your response? This is my first thread if that’s what you’re asking.