Princeton University Top Questions

Princeton's a great school with too many opportunities for its students. The school is relatively small, which allows the students to feel like they know many members in their class. I'd say the best thing about Princeton is the opportunity to meet so many different groups and types of people, and the opportunity to partake in activities ranging from special guest speakers to cultural events. Princeton isn't really a "college town", but it's nice to walk off campus into the "town" of Princeton for a change of pace. In my opinion, there is a lot of school pride, both on and off campus.

Princeton is great because it is small, and there is a small grad student population. that means that the great professors (who at princeton often are very well known and well published) pay attention to you, and lead their own precepts, etc. ALso, alumni connections are great, and help out for getting jobs and internships and in general they enable lots of things to be freer than they would be. we have free laundry, good food, beautiful campus, tons of activities. it is a college town, but the town is very clean, and fun. the administration does a pretty good job on most things, and definitely needs to work on other things. THere are lots of controversies on campus and mostly they get fought out via the princetonian, the daily princeton newspaper. there is tons of school pride.

-Strong emphasis on academics, while simultaneously encouraging students to have a well-balanced college experience (taking classes outside of their concentration, getting involved in various extracurriculars on campus, attending different cultural events, etc.) -A TON of school pride. Every May, ALL the alumni come back for Reunions... 3 solid days of festivities.

Like any outstanding organization, Princeton's greatest strength is its people. Admission does a fantastic job of composing a talented cohort of diversely gifted students, but the magic really happens once they arrive on campus and spend four years working, learning, and living with one another. It sounds hard to believe, but Princetonians' loyalty to the University and one another rages early and lasts a lifetime. Illuminating examples: - Princeton clothing is always acceptable attire - An overwhelming majority of students would rather stay on campus than go abroad for a semester (perhaps misguidedly...) - Over one hundred alumni from the class of 1964 registered for their 45th reunion 16 months in advance of the celebration The quality of human capital at Princeton doesn't stop with the student body, though. In fact, I would argue the caliber of Princeton faculty and administration is second to none. Each of them, most importantly, is dedicated to the undergraduate experience. And for this institutional focus to resonate at a research university is truly exceptional.

I was not sure that princeton was the right fit for me until i got here and spent a whole semester giving it a chance. I am now extremely happy. academics are challenging, but extremely rewarding, professors are readily available to help with anything from course work to summer internships and jobs. The social scene is fun and active, but not overwhelming or consuming. The town is boring but in the same way that most other college towns are boring. We all complain about being stuck in the "princeton bubble", but in the end princeton students are spoiled by the opportunity to be part of such an all around incredible college experience.

Every year approximately one million and thirty-seven Princetonians return to campus for reunions. People frequently go back on 'in-between' years, not waiting for the multiples of five. This is partly because Princeton is awesome, but it's mostly because Princeton knows how to put on a good show. The school is good at talking with the undergrads and trying to impress them. And that's pretty cool.

The best thing about Princeton is the people. I would change the negative stereotypes that the media and prospective students tend to hone on instantly. My school size ended up being fine for me, but frankly, as time goes on, you become more accepting of your school's characteristics. People tend to regard Princeton with a mixture of disgust, awe, and impressiveness, the level depending on their own background. I spend most of my time on campus in my room, other people's rooms, the various libraries, and coffee shops. The Princeton administration functions well but does not appropriately seek student input (or give the image of at least trying to more importantly). Being an alum, am unsure of the biggest recent controversy on campus. There is quite a bit of school pride, evidenced by the large gatherings at Reunions. Princeton is unusual in its ability to maintain its strong alumni base.

I would say the big picture is simply: awesome academics in a tight nit friendly community. The interaction that you have with Princeton's incredible faculty, as well as the opportunities for research with JPs and the thesis really give the Princeton education a special quality. The big picture socially: Don't expect an urban nightlife or the cultural trappings of Nyc. But Princeton can still be a lot of fun, the social scene revolves around the eating club and such revolves around dancing/drinking games/hanging out.

Best - The rigor of the faculty, and their commitment of time to undergraduates. Not just the famous ones, and not just the ones that are great pedagogues. They're (almost) all first-rate. Worst - People need to take themselves much less seriously. There's no worse a turn-off than a sophomore who, when making introductions, begins to rifle off paragraphs from his/her resume. A lot of the people who come off as the best and brightest of the Princeton crowd have turned out, in my experience, to be smoke and mirrors. That aside, the Princeton administration, though notoriously unjust in disciplinary matters, sluggish in responding to student concerns, and to a lesser degree incompetent, takes very good care of students, if students seek out help with any matter, academic or not.

Best things: heavily focused on undergraduate studies, looking to expand the arts, prestigious Change: add a few degrees, e.g. journalism; less elitism within eating clubs Good size People are usually taken aback when they hear I went to Princeton, usually impressed too Most time on campus is spent in my room doing work, sleeping, watching tv, etc. Not a huge college town really The admin is decent I suppose, perhaps a little slow and stubborn to react to student suggestions/complaints Grade deflation controversy Lots of school pride Unusual: eating clubs Always remember: community action Student complaints: the gym/fitness center, grade deflation, eating club selectivity