I am an international student interested in Princeton university.
I have always wanted to study computer science and international studies, and Princeton university is the perfect choice for me to combine these studies.
My background information:
I come from a mid-level income family from Central Asian country.
I am applying for financial aid.
I speak 4 languages fluently, almost at native level, and hold language proficiency certificates.
Mostly I am STEM oriented person, but I have keen interest in global affairs and people.
My scores:
SAT reasoning : 1440 (770 Math & 670 Writing and Reading)
I will take SAT physics in November and SAT reasoning in December, 2019-2020.
My problem:
Last year, I applied to Princeton university with above mentioned score, but without SAT subject scores.
I was rejected after an interview.
I couldn’t take SAT subject tests due to test center closing on the exam date without pre-notice.
I emailed college board several times for makeup exam, but they said they couldn’t arrange it in late-February.
The admission office was kind enough to wait for me to send them sat subject scores, but everything failed.
I am very hesitant and troubled to apply this year.
I was rejected already last year.
If I apply once again, my application will not be much different from last year.
Key differences:
This year, I have SAT subject test scores, except physics (Nov).
SAT Math II: 800
I am currently enrolled in a preparatory course in Russia (a program for students intending to study at college the next year) while taking competitive programming courses and solving problems at a top university in Russia (one of the top 3 in computer science).
I didn’t want to lose a year just simply wasting away my life, so I took an exam at the Russian cultural center in my country and passed it.
During my time in Russia, I became even more convinced that I wanted to study in the U.S.A.
My dream school is Princeton, and I don’t want to give up.
My question:
Should I try to apply once again to Princeton university, but this time in early action?
OR
Should I apply in regular decision after I take SAT reasoning in December to improve my scores?
OR
Should I apply to more mid-level colleges?
What advice would you give me on my application and essays, if I choose to apply once again?
Should I answer to different prompts?
Do I have to change my common essay too?
“If I apply once again, my application will not be much different from last year.”
That was the determining factor for me. If you have no substantially different or additional achievements from last year, then I wouldn’t bother. Your SAT Math II score is great, but SAT II scores aren’t important enough to tip the scales.
What qualities do you like about Princeton? Perhaps posters here can suggest some less selective colleges with similar characteristics. My other suggestion is to attend college in your own country, be a superstar there, and come to Princeton for graduate school.
Princeton does not accept graduate students. It is undergrad focused.
Explanation: "If I apply once again, my application will not be much different from last year." ---> Essay prompts didn't change from last year --> In one year, a person cannot change completely --> Inevitably, some parts of the application will definitely overlap.
“Advanced degrees are offered through 42 academic departments and programs that directly admit students, as well as a number of interdepartmental and joint degree programs that students may pursue once enrolled. Certificate programs are also available to admitted degree-seeking students in certain fields. Degree programs are housed within four divisions – Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Engineering. Doctoral education, available in all divisions, emphasizes original and independent scholarship, while master’s degree programs in architecture, engineering, finance, public affairs, and public policy prepare candidates for careers in public life and professional practice. The wide range of interdisciplinary areas complements and enriches the degree-granting programs, which promote intellectual activities and research across departmental and divisional boundaries.”
Getting to your original question, the likelihood of acceptance is remote. Your SAT score is low for Princeton, and subject tests are not going to compensate. Competition for international applicants is fierce.
Go ahead and try again but if studying in the US is really the goal, you would be better served spending your time putting together a realistic list of schools. And since financial aid is very hard to come by, you also need to look in your home country for undergrad and then consider coming for an advanced degree (as previously suggested).
