If I had 4 B’s during my first year and a half of high school (one in first semester freshman year, 3 first semester of sophomore year), but I have A’s for the rest of high school (basically showing an upward trend) with strong extracurriculars and several school leadership positions, are my chances of going to Princeton completely ruined? Also, I’m Mongolian, but I’m not sure if that really helps. Thanks in advance, and please don’t hesitate to give it to me straight.
At the risk of repeating the common response for many questions such as this: It is almost impossible to know what affect this (either the B’s, or being Mongolian) will have on your chances at Princeton, except to say that everyone’s chances at Princeton are at best a very long shot. Obviously a long string of A’s and an upward trend are helpful (but not necessarily sufficient).
Also, there are a LOT of very good universities, and while you can apply to Princeton if you want you should carefully consider other universities as well. Your string of A’s since half way through sophomore year WILL get you into some very good schools.