<p>D got admitted today and I am trying to schedule a Spring Break trip week (starting April 8). We already visited and took the campus tour / info session during her sophomore year, but she is hoping to get a more in-depth view of Princeton before making her decision. Ideally, sit in classes, maybe an overnight, etc. Who should she call and what should she expect? We are anxious to book a flight soon.</p>
<p>I should clarify that I know about Princeton Preview but her school is very strict about only allowing school (no more than 4 missed days the entire senior year), so it really works much better to visit all her admitted schools over Spring Break. She is coming from West Coast. Yale is doing a “mini Bulldog days” schedule for her and I wonder if Princeton has something similar.</p>
<p>Vino, We are in same shoes with D, and also coming from West Coast with strict limits on “college days” taken from school. I’ll be watching for CCers to answer you… :)</p>
<p>Hi 831copper and EnVinoVeritas,</p>
<p>Visiting is critically important! I always thought that I wanted to go to Harvard or Yale until I visited Princeton. I just got into all three HYP and just replied “yes” to Princeton.</p>
<p>While Princeton Preview would be the best experience, the Admissions Office schedules non-Princeton preview events and allows accepted students to stay overnight with current students. To learn more about them, call (609) 258-3060 during 9 am to 5 pm tomorrow or email <a href=“mailto:uaoffice@princeton.edu”>uaoffice@princeton.edu</a>.</p>
<p>Good luck deciding. Tell your kids to choose Princeton :)</p>
<p>Hi jkreine,</p>
<p>I was wondering what exactly compelled you to choose Princeton over those too. Was it the campus? The people? Or just a general feeling you got from it?</p>
<p>And how long are you allowed to stay there?</p>
<p>All three are incredible schools. It should come down to your own experiences and thoughts, which may be different than mine. Here are my reasons:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Princeton is more focused on the undergraduate, in my opinion, than Harvard/Yale. I looked at teacher to student ratio and the number of classes offered at all three schools taught to fewer than 15 kids. Moreover, unlike Harvard and Yale, there are no professional programs at Princeton, only graduate degrees, i.e. there are no Yale Law or Harvard Business Schools. Combined with the highest endowment per student of any University in the world, this means more focus on the undergraduate. </p></li>
<li><p>When I visited, I had the best experience at Princeton. The kids seemed the nicest, friendliest, and happiest there. There is an old joke about Harvard’s competitive atmosphere (how many Harvard students does it take to screw in a lightbulb? One to screw it in and 1,000 to push the ladder out under him); I felt a tangible competitive vibe on that campus, which was not appealing to me. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>(Side note: the lightbulb joke about Yale is: how many Yale students does it take to screw in the lightbulb? 0, because New Haven looks better in the dark!)</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Princeton’s campus is stunning. Just wait until you visit and see it! </p></li>
<li><p>I didn’t want to be in a city for college, but Princeton has the access to them (45 minutes away from Philly and NYC). </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Those were my reasons, but find your own for whatever school you choose.</p>
<p>jkreine - thanks for your helpful advice. in your enthusiasm, you remind me of our college counselor. she is a strong Princeton proponent (she has her own D there) and cannot say enough wonderful things about the institution. so much of a high schooler’s impressions are formed from the student tour guide, and frankly the Yale guide was super-impressive during our campus tours. hopefully the overnight will give her a better, deeper view. She wants to study STEM and Princeton is clearly stronger in certain areas of interest to her.</p>
<p>If your spring break starts on the 8th (assuming a week long break) you could do the first Preview. Otherwise definitely contact them and do an overnight and visit classes and the campus. Be sure to check out Frist Center (student center), the Art Museum, and wander through some of the buildings. My DS loves it there and still is amazed at how lucky he is to be there. Also look at the calendar and see if there are any student events happening when you are there.</p>
<p>Good luck with all your visits!!!</p>
<p>One thing: If your DD wants to visit classes, remember that many classes don’t meet on Fridays.</p>