<p>Princeton is definately a beer school. Being an underrepresented minority helps about as much as being a legacy, and less than being a recruited athlete. Being sent a viewbook means nothing, they send those to a very large number of students.</p>
<p>Being an underrrepresented minority is completely different from being a legacy, as the University is looking to diversify its upcoming classes. Legacies just get a bit extra considerations, whereas talented underrepresented minorities will get a good look.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies.</p>
<p>There was recently a book by a former president of Princeton, I believe Bowen, that took into account admission rates, SAT scores, and GPA, which are the aspects of admission that can be quantitatively studied, and it found that the legacies and underrepresented minorities recieved the same amount of benefit in admissions, which was significantly less than the benefit given to recruited athletes. I cannot say how the admissions office responds towards differerent applicants, I believe there is a lot of randomness involved in admissions.</p>
<p>What is the political scene like on campus? I fall on the conservative side of the spectrum. I have no problem with liberals whatsoever, as it seems a majority of people my age tend to lean left, but personally I am sick of being accosted by those who feel I have no right to have an opinion because I'm a Republican (but of course being Democrats they are entitled to shove their opinions in the faces of those who want it least). This isn't meant to be an attack on liberals in general, so apologies if it sounds that way - I'm just wondering if the "flaming liberal" scene dominates campus politics.</p>
<p>Note: I realize a question pertaining to if a liberal can find a political niche on campus has already been answered, but I think mine is coming from a different enough perspective. Thanks.</p>
<p>There are quite a few Republicans on campus. The ones I can't stand are the neocons who ardently defend everything Bush has done. Then there are the logical Republicans who will admit Bush has flaws but is still better than Kerry. As far as I know, most Democrats here don't shove their opinions in the faces of others. That only happens when neocons here try to talk about things like ending medicare/social security/constitutionally banning gay marriage, things that fall so right on the political spectrum that even regular conservatives can't help but wonder what has gotten into them. But don't worry about not having a voice here. If there's one things the Republicans actually do here, it's making a lot of noise about political issues.</p>
<p>Do you know if Pton is open to creating new certificates? They have certificates in Af-Am Studies, Hellenic, Lat-Am, and East-Asia, so why not Classics? Do you think it would be possible to create a Classics certificate?</p>
<p>-btw zhang, curse u for getting me hooked on this site</p>
<p>Majors don't matter that much when applying to grad school. They look at the courses you take and the grades you get, not at how many certificates and majors you can get. Emailing the classics department would be a good idea.</p>
<p>As far as political climate, there are more liberal students than conservative, but the conservateves tend to be more vocal. Princeton is significantly more conservative than an average university.</p>
<p>MLF The book by Bowen and Levin is Reclaiming the Game. While Bowen was a former President of Princeton, the book is about highly selective schools as a group and athletics...they had access to all admission data for the Ivy league as well as other highly selective schools (NESCAC, for example). The book can't be summarized in a post but does quantify the benefits of an athletic "tip" which is substantial. Also, athletes tend to underperform (especially 'helmet sports') once admitted. Very thoughtful book with lots of interesting statistics. Raises questions about values and a college's mission as well.</p>
<p>Mlf, some liberal students I have talked to very much appreciate not being on a campus where everything is rubber-stamped pc language. They like the ongoing debate.</p>
<p>I did not say that being more conservative was a bad thing. I am among the liberal students who likes to be around people with various points of view, I think that really helps you think about what you believe. gracilisae was concerned that Princeton would be too liberal, and I was responding to that. I think Princeton has a nice balance of various political views, which I appreciate.</p>
<p>Sorry, mlf, I wasn't attacking you; just wanted to offer a bit of what I've heard, for the lurkers out there. Glad you feel the same way. Keeping my fingers crossed on Election Day!</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies - I definitely feel reassured, knowing that I haven't possibly (hopefully!) bound myself to a Berkley-like school or anything. Open political debate is always a plus.</p>
<p>Keeping my fingers crossed as well!</p>
<p>Is it difficult to write a senior thesis? It must take up a lot of time, and I heard that junior year you do a mini thesis (research for your actual thesis). How does that come into play especially for ppl who are trying to get into med school and need to take their MCATS and stuff.</p>
<p>Juniors do two junior papers, which run about half the length of a senior thesis.</p>
<p>For these papers and theses you will get an advisor, and if it's in a subject that you're passionate about, you shouldn't have too much trouble writing it. </p>
<p>As far as theses and med school goes, some people choose to apply immediately while others apply after a year or two of work. I'm guessing you could submit your thesis for med school, but it would most likely be too late if you intend to go to med school following senior year. The University tries to discourage that because too many years of school often leads to academic burnout even in the most hardcore of students.</p>
<p>You're better off not worrying about grad school before you even get into college.</p>