How did she get into Princeton?

A story of a future technologist, scientist, and social leader

Author

Jill
September 03, 2024

Today’s #howigotin.fyi features Riptiva, who received offers from many universities including Princeton! Take a look at what Riptiva’s application is like.

💯 Acceptance

Princeton University, among others

🌆Background

Riptiva pursued the International Baccalaureate (IB) program throughout middle school and high school, focusing on the IB Diploma Program (IBDP) in the final two years. She selected physics, math and economics higher level, chemistry English and Dutch standard level. She was predicted to be 44/45 in the IB program.

The prospective major she applied to for all her universities are BSE - Electrical or aerospace engineering.

🔖 Test Scores

SAT: 1600

Taken during 11th grade

🏅Academic Honors

  • Honor Roll in Grades 9, 10, and 11.

  • Semifinalist in the Dutch Mathematical Olympiad (Top 9%).

  • Awards in Debate and Model UN.

  • Participated in a Material Science and Nuclear Research program at the Technical University of Delft (selected as one of 10 from 5,000 applicants).

  • Service and Action Award for community service (Grades 9, 10, 11).

🤖Extracurricular Activities

  1. Robotics: Self-taught, worked on projects at home, and provided a GitHub repository link. Participated in the school’s maker space.

  2. Athletics (Karate): Competed locally, won the club championship, and holds a second brown belt.

  3. Debate and Speech: Active in Model UN in Grade 10, with numerous Best Delegate awards.

  4. Research: Worked on particle physics experiments at Delft University of Technology.

  5. Music: Classical pianist and composer; finalist in international and national competitions.

  6. Work: Piano teacher since age 14, developed a personal curriculum.

  7. Student Government: Student council president for two years, led various school improvement projects.

  8. Chess: Self-taught player, participated in school and city tournaments.

  9. Journalism: Independent writer and school newspaper contributor, published a narrative poetry book.

  10. Soccer: Played for under-15 and under-17 girls’ teams, won the local City League.

💭Advice

  • Emphasize the importance of strategically placing activities across the Common App and resume to provide a complete picture

  • Balance what is included in the Common App, essays, and resume, making sure each element adds something unique.

  • Tailor your resume to the universities' expectations and align it with personal interests.

As you can see from her academic honors and extracurricular activities, the candidate’s profile features multiple personas, highlighting technologist, social leader, and scientist.

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