The freshmen physics midterm average was 57/100 a few years back.
Question: after visiting Princeton it seems like students have to keep applying to take advantage of their resources. For example people talked about “applying to take a seminar” “applying for a class” “apply for the bridge program” " applying for competitive summer research." I guess my question is are students always applying and competing?
@whatthewhat I can’t imagine the are any colleges where you wouldn’t have to apply for summer research, internships, study abroad, etc. The Bridge program only takes 35 students, and additionally Princeton has to screen the students to assure they can handle a 9 month immersion program. Also, just like at any other school class sizes are limited and popular classes are going to have more students trying to enroll than can be accommodated.
As far as “always applying and competing,” I suppose that is somewhat true, but it is true at all colleges, in the job market, and pretty much all aspects of life. I understand what you are saying though. Kids can get really excited about certain programs that a college advertises(like the Bridge program perhaps), but in reality they may not be chosen to participate.
@planner03 Thanks for clarifying about the Bridge program. I got the impression at other schools we visited that study abroad opportunities were equally available to all students. Is the difference at Princeton that they are funded by the University?
I know it is easy to misinterpret a college after one rainy tour. I was just curious if Princeton students had the feeling that they were constantly re-qualifying for Princeton resources. That was the sense I got after the tour and that wasn’t how I felt at my LAC college (a zillion years ago).
@whatthewhat, there are many opportunities for Princeton students to study abroad. Students receiving financial aid continue to receive support if they study abroad during the fall or spring semesters; they may also apply for financial support for summer study abroad programs. This link is a place to start to find out more: http://www.princeton.edu/oip/sap/
The students who participate in the Bridge Year Program do so before their freshman year at Princeton.
@MAOnemom thanks for the information.