Princeton: Similar Schools or Tips to Get Accepted?

Hey everyone! I'm wondering if you can give me some input on the topic of Princeton. I have thoroughly researched it and determined it to be an excellent university (duh!) that I would be very interested in attending.

The problem is that, even with my unweighted 4.0, leadership roles in numerous clubs, 3 years as a varsity soccer starter, class rank 1 of 366, and participation in the hardest available classes at my high school (including at least 10 AP's), there is only a dismal chance that I will be admitted. Therefore, can anyone offer either a) tips to increase my chances of admission to Princeton (I have about 1 1/2 years to work with, since I am a sophomore), or b) a list of similar school to Princeton, especially in the Midwest (not necessarily in terms of flashiness, but rather regarding a strong intellectual community with awesome professors, financial aid, and overall atmosphere)?

Thanks a billion! ~

Just for those of you who are curious, I have not yet taken the SAT or ACT, but am generally good at taking standardized tests and plan to prepare well when I do take them, so I hope for high scores.

I am also taking the SAT II Chemistry exam at the end of this year to start whittling away at that requirement.

You are on the right track. You need to continue to get those grades and take the tough classes.

You are also right that you may get in. Lots of qualified students get rejected from Princeton every year.

However, if you are qualified -- then you will get into some good school. US News and World Reports ranks colleges every year. You can see the rankings online. I've provided the link below.

Another tool that you can use is provided at Princeton Reviews. They have a tool where you can enter information about your background and interests. It will spit out a list of schools that are appropriate for you. The site also has lots of statistics about admissions requirements and the student body.

If you want an elite school, then your main choices are the Ivy League schools, the Ivy Equivalents (Duke, Stanford, Chicago, Northwestern, Emory, Rice, etc), or one of the better liberal arts colleges (Williams, Amherst, Swarthmore, Haverford, Carlton, etc). The ones in the midwest are University of Chicago, Northwestern (both in the Chicago area) and Carlton (in Minnesota).

There are two other options -- the better Catholic universities and the better State Universities. The best Catholic schools are are Georgetown, Notre Dame, Bosotn College, Villanova, Holy Cross and marquette. Marquette and Notre Dame are in the Midwest.

Several states have one university that is their crown jewel. Many of these are as good as the better private universities (and usually better if you want Engineering). The best are UC-Berkeley, Michigan, Wisconsin, UNC and UCLA.

Speaking of engineering -- there are specialty schools like MIT and Cal Tech that are as good as they get. MIT even has a highly rated business school.

I know a young man currently trying to get into Princeton. He is using his father's contacts to get in touch with Princeton alumni. Unfortunately, it seems to be the surest way in, although the young man in question is indeed a good student. If you have any athletic accomplishments, you should highlight them when you apply. I've heard that if you're good at golf, for instance, the golf coach will pull for you. But he has to know you exist, of course. Don't just apply the usual way. Seek out department heads, etc., and get your name out there! Also, as far as comparable schools, Harvard is the #2 university in the country, only behind Princeton.

Good choice in schools! (I graduated from Princeton). Sounds like you have what you need to get in -- although the competition is certainly stiff, since most applicants also have great grades too.

A few tips:
1) You don't mention your ACT/SAT scores. If they're not great, then take a preparation course to raise your scores.

2) Contact the soccer coach at Princeton. They have a varsity soccer team (it was a club team while I was there) and although they don't offer athletic scholarships, it definitely helps your chances of being admitted if a coach wants you on the team.

3) Don't forget to highlight your extracurricular activities -- Princeton seems to value applicants that are well-rounded.

4) Keep up the great academic work!

Northwestern is a great school (Evanston, IL) that is definitely on par with Princeton. Wonderful professors, interesting location (right outside Chicago, on Lake Michigan)) and has impressive women's athletic programs.

Good luck! (feel free to email me with other questions)