Princeton Requested Graded Paper: Must It Be A Paper That Got an A?

Publisher
Wed, 29 Jan 2020 14:13:32 +0000

Interesting response from Sally Rubenstone.

My thought is that context matters. For example, a non-A graded writing assignment would be fine if the student was a high school student enrolled in an intellectually demanding course at a nearby college, but that a paper graded B when competing against one’s high school classmates calls into question the applicant’s intellectual ability, writing and presentation skills among his or her peers.

I do agree that submitting a B graded paper to Princeton University admissions will draw attention to that applicant–but not necessarily in a positive way.

In short, not worth the risk without a compelling reason that will reveal serious intellectual or creative ability.

Decades ago, I took a black literature course in high school. I was the only non-African American student to take this course. The instructor–who was white–refused to give me any grade above a B because I was not black and, therefore, could not fully appreciate and understand black literature. Had I submitted a B paper from this class, I would have had to supplement it with an explanation and the hope that admissions officers would understand and value my willingness to reach out and try to grow by enrolling in a class where I was not welcome.