<p>-Do you know anything about psych counseling services? If so, how good/bad are they?
-If you got AP credit for something and got placed into a higher-level course in that subject area as a result, did you feel that you were adequately prepared for the higher-level course? (for example, if you got credit for cal BC and went into multivariable cal, did you feel ready for multivar or did you wish you’d started from cal 1 or 2?)
-Are intro-level classes usually taught by grad students/TAs or by professors of some sort?</p>
<p>What kind of people have you met? Would you say that practically everyone is outstanding/a genius (as people rumor Ivy class compositions to be)? </p>
<p>I’d also like to know about the mental health services available and how that issue is treated. Is there much stigma attached? Is mental health something the elephant in the room/just being ignored by USG and the University?</p>
<p>Is there anything else you think we SCEA applicants would like to know?</p>
<p>@hopefulperson – from what I’ve read and talking to my interviewer (although she graduated a long time ago), even intro classes are rarely taught by TAs.</p>
<p>is it true that semmelhack had relations with previous student</p>
<p>pton18tiger: not so quick with replying… Maybe people should repost on the general Princeton forum?</p>
<p>Sorry guys I wasn’t able to post earlier today because this week is absolutely crazy (our last week before break).</p>
<p>18Dylan18:
- My financial aid offer was actually really great! I live in a typical middle class family and I’m only paying about 18k.
- It’s not difficult to meet people at all, because they really try to force you to. You meet people during OA, in your halls, during Frosh Week at the Street, etc. Definitely a significant number of your friends will basically be based on luck - who you happen to be roommates with or just meet randomly and hit it off. It’s a little stressful because there is a mad rush to not only make friends but establish “groups,” and if you miss opportunities it can be hard to feel like you have a group of friends to always go back to/grab meals with. If this happens, don’t sweat it - I’ve heard your friends change a lot over the course of college.
- I have wayyyy less time. But that really depends on your high school. Mine was a joke.
- The classes were surprisingly difficult to me. For example, I decided to take Multivariable Calculus because I thought it wouldn’t be that hard as I took it in high school, but I’m struggling now just to keep my grade above a C. A lot of my struggles though have to do with my terrible study habits, not necessarily the difficulty of the class.
- I was surprised at the athlete culture here - I thought they’d be more integrated with the rest of the community, but they really segregate themselves and many of them do have an annoying sense of superiority.
- Grading is still just as hard as ever, so most people don’t think the end of grade deflation had any impact at all.
- There are definitely a few, but they can be avoided by looking at course reviews.
- I didn’t. I’m amazed that I get to be here with such talented people.
- People here are definitely motivated socially here, if you mean what I think you do. Many students do go out more than once a week instead of studying, and there is definitely some social climbing involved. That being said, people here do still really care about their grades and futures.</p>
<p>mcfrankshc:
I haven’t cried (yet), but it does get really stressful if you don’t manage your time well. I’ve had some very upsetting all-nighters. I’ve also been incredibly happy at other times; if you drink, the street really is a great way to let loose. If you don’t, there are plenty of other fun activities.</p>
<p>hopefulperson:
- I’m not very familiar with them, sorry.
- It really depends. I didn’t feel very prepared for MAT201, but that was because of my bad calculus class.
- Most intro classes I’ve seen are taught by professors. Then they are further divided into precepts, which are often taught by grad students and have a much more intimate setting. My multi class is taught by a grad student who’s pretty bad, but I feel like for things like math the professor doesn’t matter as much. </p>
<p>picozippy:
- There’s such a wide range of people. There are a few people who are clearly geniuses, but on the whole I’d say most of them seem pretty normal (not to say they aren’t also geniuses, they just don’t display it as much). Most people here are definitely struggling, so that has made me feel a lot better here- knowing I’m not alone.
- Mental health is an issue that is really big on campus right now, especially due to some recent trouble they’ve had. In fact, our USG just passed a referendum, which was, “Shall the undergraduates urge the administration to (1) publish the detailed and official policies for undergraduate withdrawal and readmission for mental health reasons; and (2) continue to work with undergraduates to ensure that these policies and how they are practices are conducive to undergraduate wellbeing?”
- Don’t expect college to be these glorious haven like you imagined Hogwarts in your childhood. It’s amazing here, and beautiful, but it is tough, and you will have to become much more emotionally mature to deal with some things you’ll undoubtedly go through. Still, I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. We have the best location: not a busy town, but still places to shop and eat, and only an hour from NYC (I’ve gone there 6 times already) and Philly. Sometimes I need to remind myself that even when I’m unhappy, it’s not with issues specific to Princeton. I went to Harvard for a few days during our fall break while they were still in session, and it was absolutely miserable. The freshman there are not having a good time socially (parties they can get into only happen in people’s dorms) while here at Princeton the eating club system is actually very accessible (contrary to popular belief). Little things that make me happy I go here.</p>
<p>iloveUSAMO
I have no idea who that is.</p>
<p>Hey Princeton hopefuls! I know you guys are anxious to hear about your SCEA results in just about a week, and I want to help anyone who still has questions about academics/social life/anything else at Princeton. I’m a freshman here just about to finish my first term, and I know how helpful CC was in helping me learn more about this school when I was applying (I had to make a new account since I forgot my old password and don’t have access to my old email anymore). </p>
<p>I have had a great time here, but also many struggles, so I promise to answer your questions with 100% honesty and not sugarcoat it. Feel free to ask anything!</p>
<p>MODERATOR’S NOTE: Any Princeton student/alum/friend/parent is free to field questions here.</p>
<p>@mcfrankshc - My son definitely did! He was fully convinced one month into his first semester that both he and Princeton had made a huge mistake and that he would fail out if he didn’t switch out of BSE immediately. Instead we encouraged him to seek out some private tutoring (which they offer for free but you need to request) and to meet with his profs for their suggestions on how to proceed. He was already an excellent time manager but the commitment of a varsity sport coupled with BSE was really overwhelming at first. He learned how to work/study more effectively, he learned to collaborate with other students and he learned how to let some things (the right things) go. Now in his junior year he still goes through some very stressful weeks but he has learned how to manage those stress levels much better. </p>
<p>FWIW the college experience is stressful at times at EVERY school except perhaps those not worth attending. Princeton’s academics are extremely challenging but if you are admitted, the adcoms are convinced you have what it takes to be successful. </p>
<p>@pton18tiger – thanks for taking the time to write your detailed response! I was deferred, but I’m really hoping to get in RD, haha. </p>
<ol>
<li>I was deferred for EA on Monday. Is there anything I should do between now and the end of January to bolster my application? Should I send a hand-written letter or email to the admissions office re-expressing my enthusiasm and telling of recent accomplishments?</li>
<li>Is it uncommon for deferred students to get into Princeton RD?</li>
<li>Do students request to live in a certain dorm building or are they randomly assigned?</li>
<li>Are precepts very helpful? (I hear jokes about them on Princeton forums.)</li>
<li>Would you say that professors have close relationships with students? Do they care that their students succeed?</li>
</ol>
<p>Polar: </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Students are randomly assigned dorms (within residential colleges) their first year. A lottery determines where you stand in line for a second year room (and you can choose roommates); same with the subsequent years. You can move away from your residential colleges after two years. As an aside, the dorm rooms are not Princeton’s claim to fame. My S had a single junior and senior year in a dorm where there wasn’t even a bathroom on his floor. </p></li>
<li><p>The relationship you have with any professor is based upon what you want it. This isn’t a school where the professor will call your phone if you don’t show up for class absent a student created relationship; conversely, when you establish a relationship, the professor becomes invested in your success. My D received emails from the professors (she went to office hours a lot in engineering, math, chemistry, physics and writing) encouraging her, noting her efforts, providing feedback, etc. On the other hand, I don’t believe my S ever met a professor outside of class! It’s a school made up of independent, high energy, maturing young adults - each can decide how to approach their time at school.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>There are professors who really know how to teach, there are professors whose English is a second language and who have trouble communicating in a class setting, there are preceptors who are the same. In comparing my kids experiences with other kids in other schools, it seems that Princeton really requires its students (at least in ECON and Engineering) to learn how to teach themselves; to go above and beyond what is presented in the lectures and textbooks; to learn the materials and then apply that learning to analyze the exam problems. Both my kids said that the first mid terms were crazy - in most classes they thought they had wandered into the wrong test. In physics, math, and chemistry the mid term averages were well less then 40%. Of course, both were using the study skills from HS. Once both learned just how much time, attention, and effort was needed, results dramtically improved.</p>
<p>Princeton learning is no walk in the park (grade deflation of no grade deflation). But, you sure do learn a lot and you learn the effort which must be devoted to learn.</p>
<p>@stemit Thank you for the long response!</p>
<p>I probably have a meltdown at least once a semester, and I’m a senior with a pretty solid GPA. Princeton is hard, but I’m grateful to have a community of professors and friends to help me get through it.</p>
<p>I just realized that if I plan to pursue a B.S.E, I should have taken a subject test in either physics or chemistry. I have not.</p>
<p>I took 3 SAT subject tests before, all with very good results. I intend to major in biological engineering and I had take SAT II Bio Ecology–is the SAT II a hard requirement or would it still be okay for me to apply anyways?</p>
<p>I don’t know if it is a “hard and fast” requirement but consider that if you apply BSE without those tests you will be competing against all the other students that did take them and are applying BSE. You might consider applying as an AB Biology major and then switching if you are offered admission. This is absolutely doable provided that you have the high school physics and math preparation. Many students make the switch between BSE and AB although admittedly most switch out of BSE to AB because of the demands of the course load. But it can certainly go the other way and I don’t believe the SAT II’s are a requirement to do so. </p>
<p>@Cantiger Thank you so much for the reply! I really appreciate it–I’ll keep in mind about keeping future questions in one place :)</p>
<p>The thing is, I’ve already written an essay for BSE–a really good one, I think. My other parts of the application should all be up to standards, and I am taking AP Physics C. I have also emphasize the engineering aspect of my academic interest a lot in my application. Is there anyway/someone I might ask to see if this is a strict requirement?</p>
<p>Thanks! </p>
<p>I looked on the website for Princeton Engineering and here is what they said about the subject tests:</p>
<p>"What SAT II subject tests do you require?</p>
<p>"Princeton strongly recommends that applicants submit the results of two SAT II subject tests. Applicants who intend to pursue a B.S.E. degree should include among these either the Level I or Level II mathematics test and either the physics or chemistry test.</p>
<p>“Remember, you must apply in order to be admitted! If you have the interests, motivation, and talent to benefit from the program that we offer, you should certainly apply. An application and related information can be obtained from the Princeton University Admission Office.”</p>
<p>So it seems it isn’t a hard and fast requirement, rather it’s “strongly recommended”. Did you take a Math SAT II? We spoke to the dean of engineering prior to my son being accepted and they are pretty big on Math preparation for engineering. It sounds like you will have solid preparation in physics which they also look for. </p>
<p>If you are unsure, you could always call admissions and ask them for their input. We found them extremely helpful when my son was applying. </p>
Is it hard to switch from a BA to a BSE? Also, when they say pick a person who interests you (One of the essay prompts), can you choose a fictional character? Thank you.
It’s not hard at all provided that you have the required math and physics preparation. It’s also easiest to do it going into your very first semester but if you are unsure you can stay AB and take the required math, physics and chemistry for first year BSE students.
Hi Princeton students, it’s so great that you have this fantastic FAQ! 
Couple of question for you guys, could you please help me by answering them?
- I’m a student from Nepal, and I was raised in a very rural part of this country. I’ve based my supps on my upbringing, and my common app essay on my experience with community service. Although my GPA is very good, my sat score is low (1930), and so are the sat 2 scores. I’ve written my college essay really well (according to all other readers, including my college counselor). I was wondering whether a student with such a background as mine has any chance at Princeton. - P.S. I plan on taking humanities and econ.
- How much do the common app essay and princeton supplements contribute to the entirety of the decision? I think the essay is good, but I think the supplements have good content albeit being a bit too generic/not stylish enough.
- I’ve self taught myself the guitar (including classical pieces). But my art supplement is not as good as students who’ve actually taken classes and played at orchestras. Will this bring down my application?
Thanks!!
@Cantiger Thank you!