<p>Having received all of my admissions decisions this past week, I have narrowed down my choice for school next year to Dartmouth, Princeton, Brown, and Stanford. I have visited all of these schools except for Princeton and was looking for insight into college life from people who have attended/are attending these schools. My focus is not so much on prestige as on substance, so I don't really need statistics on cross-applicant decisions and whatnot. </p>
<p>I know Princeton is a phenomenal school, but having not ever been there I can't say that I have a very good idea of its general ambience and attitude. My worry is that as it is located in a very wealthy, secluded environment, it might lean towards more elitist sentiments (not to put too much weight in overblown stereotypes). I want to go somewhere that is politically active, but I'm definitely more the working class hero-type leftist than an ivory tower liberal (hence Brown). Also, broad-based and very rigorous academics are what I really want to dive into.</p>
<p>Dartmouth was one of my favorite schools primarily because of its undergrad focus, fantastic outdoor recreational opportunities, and more rural environment (being a farm kid/nature freak, I've never been a big city person). Still, new experiences in an urban setting are not unwelcome. </p>
<p>Any input regarding what it is like to be a part of any of these schools is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>The town of Princeton is a charming town home to Princeton University, the Institute for Advanced Study, the Princeton Seminary, and Westminster Choir College. While the town is considered one of the best college towns in the U.S. most student activities are on campus so the town should not be a major factor in your decision. See: [America?s</a> best college towns - Travel - Destination Travel - US and Canada - msnbc.com](<a href=“http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37643267/ns/travel-destinations/]America?s”>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37643267/ns/travel-destinations/) </p>
<p>Dartmouth was one of my favorite schools primarily because of its undergrad focus, fantastic outdoor recreational opportunities, and more rural environment (being a farm kid/nature freak, I’ve never been a big city person). Still, new experiences in an urban setting are not unwelcome.</p>
<p>Dartmouth and Princeton are the two smallest Ivy League Universities. Both emphasize undergraduate education. The Princeton University is spread out over 500 acres. Princeton just announced that the university will install one of the largest university solar farms in the U.S. on 27 acres next to the campus. See: [Princeton</a> University - Princeton to install powerful solar collector field](<a href=“Princeton to install powerful solar collector field”>Princeton to install powerful solar collector field) Princeton is sufficiently rural that there was room to construct Lake Carnegie for rowing. See: [Carnegie</a> Lake](<a href=“http://etcweb.princeton.edu/CampusWWW/Companion/carnegie_lake.html]Carnegie”>http://etcweb.princeton.edu/CampusWWW/Companion/carnegie_lake.html) If you want a few urban experiences New York city is 1:15 by train that leaves from the Princeton campus. Nothing is an hour away from Dartmouth. :>)) I do not know how rural you want it to be but when I attended and the wind blew from the wrong direction the smell of farm manure was strong on campus. Hopefully this is no longer true.</p>
<p>The campus tends to be liberal on most issues. The campus debating society dates to 1769. See: [History[/url</a>] If you select Princeton you can join a community service project prior to freshman week. The university sponsors the pre-school service projects as a means for students to make friends prior to the start of classes and to promote an ethic of service. See: [url=<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/~svc/ca.shtml]Community”>http://www.princeton.edu/~svc/ca.shtml]Community</a> Action](<a href=“http://whigclio.princeton.edu/about/history.html]History[/url”>http://whigclio.princeton.edu/about/history.html) The university’s motto is “Princeton in the nation’s service and in the service of all nations”.</p>
<p>The best way to understand the ambiance is to attend the Princeton Preview weekend and feel the energy, excitement, and enthusiasm Princeton students have for the university. If travel funds are an issue admissions might be to help.</p>
<p>omgg i’m going to write you the longest response everrrr when i get the chance</p>
<p>My S last year had to choose between Dartmouth (likely letter in February, 2010) and Princeton (accepted off wait list in June, 2010). Although initially saddened not to go to Dartmouth (after he made up his mind to go months earlier), he absolutely LOVES Princeton. He joined Triangle Club, went on tour through numerous states and even joined a fraternity. As a minority Jew (though reform - as such does not go to the Hillel except for High Holy days), he has had absolutely no trouble fitting in. He says he has not met one person he dislikes at school.
My choice for you - Princeton!</p>