I have heard that Princeton is the hardest Ivy academically: that the average GPA is 3.3 and the curve is very punitive–to accommodate Engineering/math students who might fare unfavorably compared to softer disciplines insofar as grades/GPA. Some have said that going to Princeton could make graduate school admission much tougher (grades) And because of the stellar math/science/engineering programs, much of the student body is cut throat and antisocial.
Then you have the eating clubs (fraternities) and the sort of preppy elitist groups. Can a normal kid get lost in between?
Thoughts?
Princeton is academically rigorous and earning A’s requires a lot of work. And yes, its STEM programs are stellar but, from what my son reported, for the most part the student body is collaborative and supportive.
My “normal” son didn’t find it elitist, joined an eating club and enjoyed it, and also enjoys his annual Princeton reunion.
Princeton did used to have grade deflation, and the average GPA has historically hovered around a 3.3. However, since the end of grade deflation, the average GPA has ticked upwards every year. That being said, Princeton is very academically rigorous, and I’ve heard the coursework both covers more topics and goes into greater depth than comparable courses at peer institutions. Even so, Princeton students aren’t any different from any other college’s students. I’m going into my junior year at Princeton, and I for the most part, my classmates are normal, social people who get along and don’t obsess over their GPAs. Eating clubs also aren’t as preppy as they seem. Regarding grad school admissions, I don’t think Princeton students are at a disadvantage. In my short time here so far, I’ve met people bound for a range of top grad schools, e.g. HBS, Columbia Law, Stanford Med.
People like to make generalizations about Princeton all the time. In most cases, these generalizations are coming from people who don’t have any experience in Princeton or with its students. There’s a reason Princeton has one of the highest alumni participation rates and the most ritualized Reunions every year out: because the students absolutely love it.