<p>Will getting an ACT score of 36 help a little, a lot or not at all if you only in the top 14% of your class? 29/200 (2 B’s in 9th, 1 in 10th 1 in 11th) ?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/faq/reviewing_the_applicatio/[/url]”>http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/faq/reviewing_the_applicatio/</a></p>
<p>What does Princeton look for in its applicants?</p>
<p>We review each application individually to get a sense of that student’s particular combination of strengths. We don’t have a profile of the ideal applicant or the ideal class. In fact, one of Princeton’s greatest strengths is the variety of talents, personal qualities, experiences and points of view in each incoming class. There are some qualities we hope all Princeton students share: integrity, a deep interest in learning and a devotion to both academic and nonacademic pursuits. Many students also bring distinctive academic and extracurricular talents and achievements. Beyond those fundamental qualities, we consider how each candidate might contribute to the community we will bring together for that year’s class.</p>
<p>Is different weight given to different parts of the application?</p>
<p>No. We do not have a formula for weighting different parts of the application. While the transcript is the most important part of an application, we consider all of the components of each application and consider each applicant’s particular strengths.</p>
<p>How does Princeton measure academic promise?</p>
<p>We include many factors in our assessment, particularly a student’s secondary school program and record, as well as standardized test results, and teacher and counselor recommendations. All these components are taken into consideration when we evaluate a student’s high school performance. We value liveliness of mind, motivation, creativity, perseverance and independent thought. A prospective student’s intellectual curiosity and academic excellence are the most important factors in our decision.</p>
<p>Are minimum grade-point averages, class ranks or test scores required for admission?</p>
<p>No. There are no cutoffs. We consider all of these measures within the context of each applicant’s school and situation. Our most promising candidates tend to earn strong grades and have comparatively high scores on standardized tests. We also look at other parts of the application, including teacher references and essays, to learn more about what kind of student you are and how you approach learning.</p>
<p>A score of 36 helps a LOT (and I mean A TON), but only if you’re in the top 12.5% of the class.</p>
<p>If you’re only in the top 14%, however, a 36 will most likely hurt you. You need to get at LEAST up to a 38 in order for it to help even a little bit.</p>
<p>^Right, which means the OP only needs to move up 4 spots in rank to get the boost. Google Tanya Harding or Jeff Gillooly for ideas.</p>
<p>Seriously, a 36 is great, but probably won’t overcome the rank. Princeton reportedly disregards freshman grades, but the damage to your rank has been done.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>^^^Thanks Sherpa, that is also what I thought.</p>
<p>Sorry, BM, 90% level is not mediocre. Why do you have such a chip on your shoulder about Princeton’s admissions? They clearly state each applicant is evaluated holistically. There are other schools if you want to attend somewhere which admits solely on test scores.</p>
<p>You folks are morons the top score on the ACT is a 36. A 38 does not exist.</p>
<p>You registered for that, nosy? To point out a “mistake” two months ago?</p>
<p>Most of the people here can recognize a joke when someone makes it. Saying things like you have to get your ACT “at LEAST up to a 38” is kind of a tip-off.</p>
<p>And 7000 + posts says A LOT about you.^</p>
<p>^just accept your lack of wit perception and move on bruh</p>
<p>Yeah, nosy. You don’t have to be to be very intelligent to do well in life… 1% of the time.</p>
<p>Is 36 is not enough, you can try for a 37.</p>
<p>It’s a little extra twinkle but a 36 can’t make up for serious deficiencies. It’s also a massive ego boost ;).</p>