<p>So I got in through early action (yes!) but I'm beginning to wonder just how bad the workload/ grade deflation is at Pton.
Students at PU: just how bad is the workload?
Do you regret going there for any reason or another?
What advice specific to Pton can you give incoming freshman?</p>
<p>Princeton voted in favor of doing away with the grade deflation so you’re already starting off on a good note!</p>
<p>My son is a BSE junior and varsity athlete. His workload is very heavy but he is organized and doing well. The key is being a very good time manager and asking for help when you need it. His first semester he was convinced that admissions had made an enormous mistake in admitting him but he has settled in nicely. Still some weeks are crazy! But that is true of all schools that are worth going to. </p>
<p>“just how bad is the workload?”</p>
<p>It varies, depending on how many and what type of classes you are taking and how much you are doing outside of them. It’s possible to have a relatively light workload and lots of free time. And sometimes you will be very busy with little free time. Depends on some choices you make.</p>
<p>“Do you regret going there for any reason or another?”</p>
<p>No. </p>
<p>"What advice specific to Pton can you give incoming freshman? "</p>
<p>Take a wide range of classes to start. Try different things out, even things you might think you won’t like. </p>
<p>Regarding grade deflation, Princeton grading schemes actually seem to be AWESOME compared to the way most high schools are run. On the MAT216 midterm, the average was a 62 (including a few 100s), but a 28 still received a B-. That’s pretty darn good (I think it was something like 62-100 = A/A-, 0-61 = B-/B/B+, tho idk if Princeton distinguishes between -/+s in their GPA calculation). Unlike high school, it’s actually about what you know, what you can get, not about what you miss. You can be like, “hey I got this question, so I’ll at least get a C - yay!” instead of “shoot, I missed this question, and now I’m down to a C”. The content is usually harder, and so are the tests, but I feel like (mainly for high-achieving students) classes will feel more optimistic when you’re happy to get a 62 and an A then when you’re freaking out over a 89. (sorry for that rant - I’m just getting so tired of high school right now and keeping up grades as a senior… in this grading scheme you could just get a 100 in the midterm and a 30 on the final and you could potentially still get an A, so don’t be offended plz)</p>
<p>Though the workload in classes involves a lot of outside studying (moreso than in high school), the topics and content are usually more engaging (since they’re more advanced courses - unless you’re taking an advanced rigorous course in a subject area you hate, which I don’t recommend - but that doesn’t mean not trying out cool classes (highly recommended), but just don’t overdo it and kill yourself mentally in the process), so even though they’ll be challenging, they’ll be fun. </p>
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<p>Like Falcon1 said, grade deflation has been done away with, though it’s unclear how that will actually affect the academic environment. But while the workload is almost always going to be substantial, you can be smart about your workload. My best semesters have been those where I made an attempt to balance my courseload by taking no more than one or two very difficult classes. If you’re smart, you can avoid a crippling workload. </p>
<p>That’s not to say you won’t be overwhelmed at times, especially first semester freshman year. But one of the benefits of Princeton’s size and undergraduate focus is that your professors are there for you. If you’re struggling, attend office hours, talk to your academic advisor, or take advantage of free counseling services through CPS.</p>
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<p>Not at all. I was debating between Harvard, Princeton, and UChicago until the eleventh hour, and have been very glad I made the choice I did (though, admittedly, there wasn’t a wrong choice). Personally, I’ve loved the size, the Creative Writing program, the Politics and History departments, my eating club (mostly), and the attention I’ve gotten from professors, a few of whom took it upon themselves to coax me out of my shell.</p>
<p>Some things I don’t like about Princeton: the location (as a senior, I’m ready to live in a more urban environment), the eating clubs (better than frats by a long shot, and I’ve met lots of great people through it, including my SO, but can get a little cliquey and dramatic), and </p>
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<p>Explore a ton of majors. Take classes in any department that interests you, and some that just sound vaguely intriguing. Along the same line: take freshman seminars! You can use them to explore topics that interest you and/or to fulfill distribution requirements. I choose my major because I took a fantastic freshman sem with a fantastic professor who encouraged me to keep going in my field.</p>
<p>Don’t be intimidated. The professors and students are sparkling, but there’s a reason you’re one of their students/peers. You deserve to be here. Never forget that. If you’re struggling, reach out for help. You’re not the only one.</p>