Princeton FAQ: Get your questions answered by current students

<p>I would imagine that he would take H.S students as the undergrads haven’t asked him about the research positions? I mean, how do HS students get research oppurtunities with such professors? Some kids in my school, in Junior year, did get oppurtunities over the summer at Columbia, though they were STEM students. </p>

<p>Does anyone know how open the professors are? Has anyone heard of HS students getting research oppurtunities in Princeton?</p>

<p>I know a guy who, after having been accepted, got to do some fairly minor stuff with a professor the summer before he enrolled. It’s always worth emailing them – I’m sure they won’t be offended; if anything they’ll just ignore you. If you do get a “research” position, though, it’ll probably be fairly menial.</p>

<p>Alright Tiger14… thanks! I think I’ll just mail some profs. and see where this leads me to. There are some areas which interest me, though I understand that the profs. will definitely not really take me seriously. But there is no harm in trying right? Thanks!</p>

<p>I think Princeton requires 2 SAT Subject tests, if apply to engineering, they must be 2 science SAT subject tests such as Math 2 and Chemistry or can be English Language and Chemistry?</p>

<p>BSE candidates must take one SAT 2 Math (Math 1 or 2) and one science.</p>

<p>If you are applying to the school of Arts and sciences, do you need atleast one humanities SAT subject test score( like SAT - Hist. or SAT - Literature)? Or is it ok to just do the math and science SAT subject tests?</p>

<p>If you’re not applying to be an engineer, you can take whatever subject tests you want. For example, I took math II and chemistry. Don’t worry too much about the subject tests - they have much less significance than many other things on your application do.</p>

<p>I’m an italian high school student :slight_smile: are they gonna look at my grades ? like the years ones ? or just my fourth year ( junior one ) ? or are they gonna look just at my SAT and SAT II and toefl ?</p>

<p>They will look at grades for the equivalent of 10, 11 and 12, however that works in your country, SAT I, II and toefl. Students from around 70 different countries were offered admission for the class of 2016 alone so I am guessing that admissions has a pretty good handle on what is considered equivalent for each country and its educational practices. </p>

<p>If you are in doubt and want to know exactly what they use, I’d suggest calling the admissions office directly. We always found them to be extremely helpful (and surprisingly relaxed!) each time we contacted them.</p>

<p>Would someone be able to talk a little about the research opportunities available for social science students (like international relations, public policy, economics, etc.)? I really would like to get involved in research early on but it always seems like most of the research opportunities are for STEM majors (for obvious reasons, I suppose). Would I be able to obtain an assistant research position for my work-study? (I got accepted EA and was hoping to try to request various work-study options.)</p>

<p>Also, any advice on which freshman seminars to take? (I’ve heard Professor Katz’ seminars were amazing and am wondering if others had great seminar experiences)</p>

<p>And I’m starting to notice that most Princeton students don’t seem to find their advisors particularly helpful. What would be a better source for freshman students to help them choose courses and whatnot?</p>

<p>Well, keep in mind that all AB students HAVE to do 4 semesters of independent work (junior/senior year), which is considered research. I don’t know much about those fields, though, being an engineer. You could probably find some sort of research-assistant job but I’m not sure how…asking random professors probably, honestly.</p>

<p>Freshman sems: most of them sound really cool! Katz is indeed famous for being a great seminar leader. I also heard that Tilghman was great, but she might not be teaching so often now. :wink: If you don’t like science labs, maybe knock out a lab requirement with something like “chemistry of magic.” But I haven’t heard a single bad freshman seminar experience!</p>

<p>Course advice: yeah, I personally don’t trust the advisors at all. Upperclassmen are your best bet. Each residential college has course advising study breaks where upperclass course advisers from different major sit in the dining hall for a few hours to answer questions. That’s really helpful. Some majors also have student groups associated with them which hold course advising study breaks (for example, COS!). Otherwise, between looking at requirements for your possible major, and course evals online, it’s pretty easy to find cool classes / make a good schedule!</p>

<p>TAKE ADVICE FROM OTHER STUDENTS. Seriously, they are the best resource available. Also, there are online course evaluations that can help you determine which courses are good/not-so-good.</p>

<p>I’ve heard that there are multiple housing options for people at Princeton such as single sex and substance free. Are dorms single sex by floor, or are there dorms for just guys and dorms for just girls? Are some residential colleges better than other ones? Do you fill out any forms that help the school match you with a roommate?</p>

<p>Also, if you submit art supplements, does the music department have a good chance of actually listening them? I want to submit one for piano and one for oboe. I think they would have a very positive effect on my application.</p>

<p>@KeDIX1414 There are a large variety of housing options available. Each residential college has its pros and cons but you don’t actually get to choose which college you are affiliated with - it is assigned by housing in advance of your arrival in the fall. My son requested subfree and single gender - his floor is subfree but mixed gender (by floor, not by room) but it hasn’t been an issue at all. You fill in an ENORMOUS questionaire about yourself and preferences prior to being assigned a room (and room mates if applicable). It’s extremely detailed…they want you to find your best match and enjoy the experience! I think they do a good job overall. </p>

<p>You’ll find out which college you are in sometime in July and will be given contact information about any room mate(s) at that time as well. </p>

<p>My son initially wasn’t so sure about the college he was assigned to but it turned out to be perfect for him, although his room is a little small. But in reality he spends very little time in his room since the campus has MANY places that are wonderful to go and study. Plus it’s more fun to study together with a few friends so this mostly happens for him outside his dorm. </p>

<p>Sorry I can’t answer the question about the art supplement since we don’t have experience with this part.</p>

<p>When writing about your most important extracurricular in the common application or in a college application essay, is it better to write about the extracurricular you are most PASSIONATE about or most ACCOMPLISHED in?</p>

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I was just wondering if anyone knows the best way to notify Princeton of some new awards that I’ve just recently received. Thanks in advance.</p>

<p>What’s unique about Princeton, please help! Interview coming up soon</p>

<p>If you’re asked “what makes Princeton unique” in an interview, the answer wouldn’t be anything anyone can tell you here. Because the question is essentially asking: What makes Princeton unique to YOU? What in particular about Princeton motivated you to apply? </p>

<p>Hope this helps. Good luck on your interview (don’t stress about it)!</p>

<p>@sparky9: I can tell you one thing I’ve personally noticed that’s unique about Princeton: it’s almost impossible to find an alumnus / current student who has anything but amazing things to say about Princeton. Princetonians loooooooooove Princeton. There’s something special about that place that leaves everyone incredibly happy that they chose that school. I’m sure you noticed that yourself when you talked to your interviewer, though. :)</p>

<p>Other than that there’s the bridge-year program, eating clubs, senior thesis, the incredible people…I can go on and on but I suggest reading that one thread, 101 Reasons to Attend Princeton? It might help, if not with your interview (since this is probably way too late), later on when you’re choosing which school to attend. Anyway, good luck! :D</p>

<p>Is it easier to get into the school of arts and Sciences compared to the engineering program?</p>