<p>Got an email inviting me to the FSI. Invitations are given to students who are either either a) first generation, b) taking super hard course work in the Fall, or c) go to poor quality, "unchallenging" high schools. I'm assuming it had something to do with my low SAT scores and a, since b and c don't really apply.</p>
<p>Can anyone give me any first hand experiences? Is it worth taking? Was it fun? Was it hard/useful?</p>
<p>never heard of that, but way to single out the prefrosh, Princeton</p>
<p>eep. never heard of that either. Oh well. =p</p>
<p>If Pton thinks you should do it then you should trust them; they know best.</p>
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<p>Oh, I don’t know. A lot of colleges have similar programs. It’s at least shorter than Cornell’s, which starts June 26th and ends in August and is mandatory to some people. At least Princeton’s is optional and, for anyone who receives any type of grant, tuition-free. It seems almost considerate.</p>
<p>I spoke to a couple of people from FSI who told me that it had nothing to do with SAT scores, which was comforting. I had a fleeting moment of insecurity about my stupid 2060, composite, but they told me that it was because of my first generation standing and that, since my parents didn’t attend college, I might need extra preparation and time to adjust. I’m choosing to take this in a non-offensive way and am considering it as an advantage. At least my course load will be lightened during the year (I’d take two classes less) and I’ll already be adjusted to college life by September.</p>
<p>“At least my course load will be lightened during the year (I’d take two classes less) and I’ll already be adjusted to college life by September.”</p>
<p>Ah. What an advantage. And a 2060 isn’t stupid. =) I’m sure it will be fun, and you’ll at least know your way around campus in September (I’m looking forward to getting lost…frequently).</p>
<p>I’m kind of crappy at math though so I’m nervous about having to take a math class, especially one that’s so condensed, but my friend made a good point. I’d have to take the math class eventually anyway so I might as well do it during the summer with 79 other people instead of a huge crowd, more class time, and more individualized attention. Just in case I really suck, haha.</p>
<p>Oh man, I hate getting lost. The first two weeks of high school were terrible for me and I was always late to class. I have an awful sense of direction, though. If I know where I’m going by September, I’ll lead you to your classes 'til you get the hang of it. ;)</p>
<p>Why does princeton go through the trouble of accepting people who needs FSI? Aren’t there other qualified people who don’t need it? Sorry I don’t get the logic behind it…</p>
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<p>it’s because head and shoulders helps get rid of dandruff. i don’t see how you can’t grasp that concept.</p>
<p>@erikadizzle-That definitely makes sense…the whole more attention deal.
“If I know where I’m going by September, I’ll lead you to your classes 'til you get the hang of it.”
I’m going to hold you to that. I’m going to need all the help I can get. =p</p>
<p>@ ChairmanGuo: I really hope I’m not “underqualified” for Princeton. 
And, like I said, it’s not based on grades because I think if you had bad grades, you wouldn’t of gotten in to begin with. It’s for first generation students, kids typically from the inner cities or places whose schools weren’t rigorous prep schools designed to help them cope with tough curriculum and fast-paced academia, or people who have indicated that they will be taking a heavy course-load in the fall. I don’t think those three things alone makes you less qualified than others. Princeton, as goodwill, is doing this because it wants to help transition students who have to make a bigger adjustment than most.</p>
<p>At least that’s what the FSI email told me.</p>
<p>Although I read on another post about FSI that it could be for people who didn’t take a course that might help them out in Princeton, like calc, so they could catch up on it. That sounds pretty plausible too. I guess I’ll find out when they give me a call.</p>
<p>@ChairmanGuo: This way, it’s a lot easier for the University to construct classes of “diverse” students who will still be able to handle the academic rigors of Princeton.</p>
<p>My dad did a similar program (at Columbia) before going to Yale. He was essentially first generation and went to a terrible high school. He said that the program was absolutely integral to his adjustment and he still talks to some of the people he met from it. He ended up graduating college with a great gpa and going to Wharton grad. So as it turns out, Yale (and Princeton too, actually) had a reason for accepting him.</p>
<p>The moral is, some people really need that bit of extra time because some high schools just don’t prepare you the same way Andover/Harvard-Westlake/really good public schools do - and Princeton is not easy.</p>
<p>Thanks guys, really clarified my question</p>
<p>Princeton wants a diverse student body. The university believes that SAT scores and high school grades do not provide the complete picture of an individual. A first generation student has challenges that a student from a two parent college educated home do not have.</p>
<p>I remember reading that Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor had below average SAT scores and needed extra assistance from professors in developing her English vocabulary and writing skills. </p>
<p>Erika, hopefully you will do as well as Sonia and also win the Pyne Prize, the top award for undergraduates. </p>
<p>Princeton’s four year graduation rate is about 95 per cent. This is Princeton’s effort to ensure that you can handle the fast paced academic environment and not get lost in the system. Princeton cares about you. Study hard and be a role model for other first generation students from your high school.</p>
<p>One of the principle reasons for having having a diverse student body is to make the Princeton experience for ChairmanGuo and every other student a more enriching and broadening education.</p>
<p>Because of our residential patterns many primary, middle, and high schools have limited ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic diversity. For example, people who enjoy the country club life often have a different viewpoint for the need for universal access for health care than people who have limited income. Princeton wants you to hear viewpoints on important issues different from the views your parents and relatives have taught you.</p>
<p>Our society is segregating itself so that people only listen to the viewpoint that they agree with. Teapartiers listen to Rush Limbaugh in the morning and watch Fox News for the rest of the day. Liberals read MoveOn.org and watch MSNBC. </p>
<p>If you think that the new Arizona law on undocumented aliens is a good law you should talk to Hispanic students who live in fear that their family could be deported because their neighbor does not like them. Or talk to an international student who lives in a police state where everyone is required to carry identification papers. After these discussions you may hold to your original beliefs but you will be better educated in the issues.</p>
<p>Princeton wants Israeli and Palestinian students to understand each other. Jocks and nerds can become best friends. Art majors and engineers can both appreciate The Art of Science contest. Princeton wants to blast away all prejudices you bring with you and force you to listen to people from a different background from your own.</p>
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<p>Unless there is something I am missing, this sounds like a great win-win opportunity. Congratulations.</p>