<p>I'm looking for a college that is strong in academics, specifically physics and math, but has a lot else to offer. Definitely want a fun campus, interesting/diverse people. I could go for a decent amount of parties, people who take academics pretty seriously but aren't afraid to let lose after hours. I can definitely be a slacker myself. I want a fairly attractive campus, or at least don't want myself saying how ugly the people are or where are all the hot girls. I could go for an interesting surrounding area, preferably a nice city with lots to do. I want opportunities around campus to pursue science and math topics. Involved teachers and classes that aren't too big but don't have to be really small. Friendly/nice people on campus. Applying to top colleges in my field has me a little worried about nerdy/techy campuses, I definitely don't want this and want a campus where there are a lot of people who are pursuing different interests. Also a fairly equal number of boys and girls. Good sports teams would be nice. </p>
<p>Anyways thats probably my ideal college scene. How does Princeton match up with that? What are things one should worry about or definitely look for if you ever went to visit. What are things that only a person that goes there would really know. Common misconceptions.</p>
<p>Any help would be appreciated since I am trying to cut down on my college applications, and please try to keep the bias to a minimum and don't be vague.</p>
<p>well, the admissions staff answers these questions all the time. and as someone who has been in your position, its fine to ask. yes, princeton fits everything you just wrote. the only thing is that whether you think nyc and philly are close enough for you is personal preference. they are close enough for an all day trip, but not close enough to hit on say a tuesday night. the parties are kickin, but not too kickin. among ivies for parties, princeton would come right after penn. keep in mind though, that people at all ivies always get their stuff done.</p>
<p>misconceptions: preppiness and elitism. yeah, people wear preppy clothes here (the cheapest stores for new clothes on nassau is now j. crew, the GAP closed about a year ago, if that gives you an idea of what people around here buy). but, just like any other college, plenty of people wear t-shirts too, for the more relaxed feel. especially t-shirts they got from their hometown, like school shirts, etc. and the people here are def not as elitist as the long island iced tea-sipping, croquet-playing, exclusive ralph lauren-wearing stereotype.</p>
<p>also, you would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful campus, anywhere.</p>
<p>"I could go for an interesting surrounding area, preferably a nice city with lots to do."
That's pretty much the only thing that Princeton does not have, though as everyone will mention, NYC and Philly are very close. Princeton, New Jersey, though, is not a college town, but you will find the campus pretty happening.</p>
<p>Otherwise, yea I think it fits your bill:
--Definitely NOT a nerdy campus.
--Professors accessible; size of class depends on the subject and level of course, but most classes are pretty small.
--Friendly, nice people. Women:Men ratio about 45%:55% I believe.
--And as Anonymous said, pretty much the most gorgeous campus you can imagine.</p>
<p>Hehe, I've been doing the same. Except I've been selling old AP study guides on Amazon. Mine are nearly all gone! (Tip: Capitalize on this time of year. Sales tend to be gooood.)</p>
<p>it's going to be really cool owning only a few things. plus, I used to play video games 24/7 and then got real about school in 7th grade, but i was a good student before</p>
<p>Anyhoo, Philly and NYC are both ~1 hr away from Princeton. Perhaps a tad bit less.</p>
<p>To address question #2:
[quote]
The Township of Princeton covers an area of 16.25 square miles in the heart of central New Jersey. It surrounds the 1.85 square mile area of the Borough of Princeton, but the two municipalities are completely separate political entities. A close governmental relationship exists between them. The 2000 census stated the population of Princeton Township to be 16,662.
<p>Keep in mind the way NJ works, though. It's basically a very big interconnected suburb of NYC (and to a lesser extent, of Philly). So you can go from Princeton to West Windsor to Plainsboro, etc, etc without even noticing it. So you are, by no means, limited to Princeton itself.</p>
<p>yep..thats how i found out about princeton...when i waw younger my mom use to take my sister and us driving in the summer..not usually giong anywhere but just to be outside...and one time she actually took us to the princeton campus and i got to drive around and see it...i fell in love with it then but didnt really consider it til this year....but i lived right outside of philadelphia and it didnt take very long to get there..we even drove to new york and back that day ..everything is close to gether...its awesome</p>