Princeton University Top Questions

There are many great colleges outside of the Ivy League, so there is no need to be caught up by getting into the colleges with the highest ranking. Look beyond grades. Look deeper into the things that truly interest you. Don't be afraid to experiment with different projects. If you want to initiate something, just do it. There is no need to wait. Always learn from other people, because EVERYONE has something worth learning. Feel extremely lucky to be able to learn, because not everyone has the privilege to do so. Lastly, have a good heart, because it is the most important element that will get you anywhere you want to go not your GPA.

While rankings are important indicators of the seriousness of academics and the quality of professors, within a certain range they tell you very little. Visit a school, and make sure you are comfortable with the social scene (i.e. talk to students and do what they do). It is important that you are comfortable with the people around you to get anything out of your education. Find a school that is strong in what you want to study. Overall, be happy, but don't be compacent.

Many students just "want to get away" from home, and are ready to go across the country "to be free." Most of my college friends who initially had that mindset have come to realize that one can be free and independent without having to go away very far. No matter the location, every college experience will allow students to learn independence - the students simply need to be driven to make it happen. College is what one makes it, and I have chosen to make the most of it by finding the perfect balance of academic, social, and extracurricular activities. Everyone should go to college to be challenged - academically and personally. Students should not fear a rigorous academic environment - they should feel stimulated by their classes and other activities. I believe that other members of the University are the determinants of one's experience. If one cannot connect with his classmates and professors, then perhaps that is not the right place for him. I have loved my two years in college because of the people I have met and because of the many ways they have positively influenced my life.

With all of the emphasis placed on attending the most prestegious college or university possible, it's important to remember not to chose a school only based on it's standing in newspapers and magazines. If, as a student, you visit a university and it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't the right choice. You will be spending some of the most fomative years of your young adult life at the school of your chosing, and while it's an option to transfer, it's best for developing a strong eductation and a stable social life to remain at the same university for the full term of your college education. When you tour a campus, see if you can attend a lecture, notice the bulletin boards scattered around campus, hang out at night to see the social scene, and try to get a feel for the town in which the college is situated. All of these things, while they might not be obvious from rankings in magazines, will necessarily play a large part in determining whether the personality of the school matches your personality. Do the necessary research, but don't be afraid to trust your gut instinct.

Don't underestimate financial aid at Ivy League schools. It is a common misnomer that they're too expensive--if you get accepted, the universities will make it affordable for your family.

Don't worry about what your friends are going to think or get into a competition about rankings of school. Find the place where you think you'll have a good time and still get work done.

Look for financial aid!!!

Visit the campus, speak to current students, and, if you're torn or uncertain, go with your gut. Omce there, attend as many events and classes as you can, because you'll regret it if you don't.

Let the kids do the research!

Most people I know went to the most academically rigorous school they got into, because it was the "best" school. If you're sure that that's what you want, go for it - but know that it means you're really going to have to work hard if you want to do well, because everyone else is going to be just as qualified as you are. Also: VISIT your schools. Go where you feel happy. Don't agonize about it, because, after all, isn't that what everyone wants - to be happy? If you're happy, you'll be more successful, make more friends, and get more out of your experience. Don't worry about what anyone else is going to say about your school.