Would science awards compensate for a not too stellar school record?

Colleges & Universities Princeton University
1

<p>Hi!</p>

<p>I’ve recently decided to apply for Princeton, fall 2007 (possibly ED) and have a question regarding how Princeton may regard my school performance.</p>

<p>I am an international student (from Norway), and have done the full IB Diploma. My courses were very demanding (Math, Physics and Chemistry all HL). I managed to get a quite good score eventually, a total of 37 points. This is not an extraordinary score, even though I was the best performer with these demanding courses in my school. </p>

<p>This fall I was awarded a second prize in a large national science contest for my extended essay in the IB, winning 1000 $ and a trip to the LIYSF. I will represent Norway at the London International Youth Science Forum, starting tomorrow. I’m wondering whether this achievment could help take the pressure away from my not too perfect school grades, or can I just forget about Princeton with my current grades?</p>

<p>I have not taken the SAT 1 / 2 yet, but will do this asap (oct - nov.)</p>

<p>Thanks for any help on this subject! (and sorry for my not too good English)</p>

2

<p>I don’t believe it would compensate per se, but it’ll certainly help. I don’t think they admit students based on a rigid guideline as in you don’t really get minuses and pluses in certain areas. It’s just how they view you as a student in general.</p>

3

<p>It definately can’t hurt. I’d apply regardless (why not?), unless you find a school that you like more because of financial aid, location, etc</p>