A word to applicants

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I'm a sophomore right now. I remember being in your situation two years ago, and I'd like to offer some words of advice.</p>

<p>1) If you get in, DO NOT mess up your freshman year. I partied a little too hard, everyone loves Prospect, but it really messes you up. I've lost so many internships opportunities because of low grades in relatively unimportant (to my major) classes, like anthropology or music classes, directly due to the lack of effort I put into them. It's very stressful, a terrible feeling, and difficult to have to build back up after a bad start. If it means staying in and not being a social butterfly, so be it. The street won't miss you.</p>

<p>2) If you're going to explore, use the grading options given to you. If you're interested in music (like I was), don't be afraid to use grading options, like auditing or PDFing. In this cruel world where stuff on paper is the first impression, your grades are too important to jeopardize because you are "exploring" or "enriching your academic life." If you like art history, don't take an art history class for a grade unless you are GOOD at it. If not, you will struggle (because Princeton is not a walk in the park) with it. At best, you'll study and pull a good grade at the expense of relaxation time and performance in other classes. At worst, you'll bomb it and regret it for the rest of your Princeton career. </p>

<p>3) If you are not accepted, don't sweat it. It's great to have the ID with the prestigious name (and the degree if you get far enough), but ultimately, from my visits to other schools, a Princeton education isn't necessarily better (especially for certain fields). Especially if you want the "college experience," don't come to Princeton. It's a small school with a pretentious social system that isn't for everyone. It's not like colleges in the movies with fun times around every corner. There is a lot of sweat, tears, competition, and more. It's thrilling, but at the same time, I always wonder what life would have been like at a state school (I would have attended UT). Maybe more fun, maybe less rewarding, who knows. The point is, Princeton isn't heaven; you're not screwed if you don't get in.</p>

<p>Cheers,
Member of 2010</p>

2

<p>I don't mean to be confrontational, but why did you spend so much time at the street if you were turned off by the social system?</p>

3

<p>Woah. Pretentious social system? Totally thought that was only a stereotype.</p>

4

<p>I love snobs! <em>sticks nose up in the air</em></p>

5

<p>I'll have to disagree. Going out and doing nonacademic stuff is what is doing the most for me at Princeton. By joining an a capella, I met people who helped me found a Premed club. From there, I met a head honcho from Sinai who was very interested in my club, and, solely because he was a fellow Princetonian (well, alum) he gave me that job. Through another social venue, I got to work reunions, which is the single greatest Princeton experience ever. Other social interactions led to my induction to St A's and Chesterton. It's good stuff. </p>

<p>Grades will get you a job; living life for the 4 years you're here, rather than killing yourself over perfect grades, will land you connections for life.</p>

6

<p>Could you describe St. A's to us? I read the blurb on it in the Frosh issue of the Prince, but that wasn't particularly helpful. Thanks.</p>