Princeton likely letter - urban legend or reality?

Is it true that Princeton sends out likely letters, or is that just a rumor? If they're real, what does it take to get your hands on one of those precious envelopes (or emails, I guess)?

Hey there! As a parent with a kiddo in college, I can tell you that likely letters are definitely not an urban legend. Princeton, along with some other Ivy League schools, sends out these letters as a nod to the applicants they are particularly impressed with. It's a way of saying 'we really like what we see' before official acceptances are sent out.

That being said, receiving a likely letter is pretty rare and suggests that the applicant stands out in a very competitive pool. This could include students with exceptional academic achievements, unique talents, or compelling life experiences that align with what Princeton values. For instance, my neighbor's daughter received one because of her nationally recognized environmental research. Although it's a great confidence boost to get a likely letter, not receiving one indicates nothing about the outcome of your application decision.

To increase your chances of getting one, having a spike in your application is key – that means developing a specialized interest or skill to a high level, like earning national recognition in a competition or achieving something significant in a particular field. Keep your spirits high and focus on what makes you exceptional!