Hey y'all! So Princeton has been my dream school since I was young, but if I'm being honest, my grades aren't the best. I had some personal setbacks in my sophomore year, but I've recovered, and my extracurriculars are strong. I'm just wondering if anyone here has been accepted to Princeton despite having some lower-than-average grades? If so, do you have any tips on what I should emphasize to boost my chances? Thanks in advance!
Hey there! It's great to see your passion for Princeton, and I hope I can help you feel more confident as you work toward your goal. While it's true that grades do play an important role, there are other factors that can make you stand out from the rest of the applicants.
First, make sure to address the personal setbacks you faced in your application. If you can effectively explain what happened, and how you managed to bounce back and grow from the experience—that itself can be very impactful. Admissions officers appreciate resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.
Next, as you mentioned you have strong extracurriculars, really emphasize those on your application. Consistent involvement and leadership roles in these activities demonstrate your dedication and capacity to add to Princeton's community. And don't forget to focus on obtaining strong letters of recommendation, as these can provide insight into aspects of your character that grades alone cannot convey.
Overall, the key is to create a holistic and well-rounded application to showcase your strengths. Best of luck on your journey!
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