Getting into Princeton - Tips?

Hey, everybody! I'm a junior and aiming to apply to Princeton next year. I'm looking for any helpful tips, stories, or advice from those who got accepted, know someone who got accepted, or are knowledgeable about the school. Thanks in advance!

Hello! It's fantastic that you're aiming for Princeton. Here are some tips and insights to help you prepare a competitive application:

1. Academics: As you probably know, Princeton is looking for students with a strong academic record. Make sure you maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses, such as AP or IB, to showcase your commitment to academic rigor. Research the academic profiles of admitted students to see if you fall within the range for test scores (if you plan on submitting them) and GPA.

2. Extracurriculars: Princeton, like many top-tier schools, values students who display a high level of involvement in extracurricular activities related to their interests. Aim to be deeply involved in a few activities that demonstrate your passion and commitment. Focus on achieving leadership positions or significant accomplishments to stand out.

3. Spike: Rather than being a well-rounded applicant with many diverse interests, top colleges often look for students who have developed a unique "spike" or highly-developed specialty. Find your area of passion and work on developing expertise within that field.

4. Essays: Writing strong and compelling essays is crucial for a successful application. The Princeton-specific essays provide a platform for you to showcase your personality, interests, and experiences. Make sure to avoid cliché topics and focus on personal anecdotes that demonstrate self-reflection, growth, and a genuine connection to the prompt.

5. Recommendations: Build strong relationships with your teachers and counselor, as their recommendation letters can provide valuable insight into your character, work ethic, and potential. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide specific examples of your achievements and strengths.

6. Research Princeton's offerings and culture: Show genuine interest in the school through your essays and application materials. Research Princeton-specific programs, academic resources, clubs, or traditions that align with your interests and values. Demonstrating a strong understanding of the academic and social aspects of the campus can help your application stand out.

7. Applying Early: Applying through Princeton's restrictive early action (REA) program can increase your chances of admission, especially if your application is already strong. Keep in mind that you can only apply to Princeton via REA and you won't be able to apply early to other private institutions. However, if admitted through REA, you aren't obligated to attend.

Remember that the application process can be highly competitive, and having a great application doesn't guarantee admission. While working on your Princeton application, consider applying to other schools as well that match your academic profile, interests, and fit.

Good luck, and feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions!