Ugh @ Princeton Preview's airfare policies

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>So I looked around CC and looked around the Princeton's admitted students website and couldn't find anything about Princeton Preview's airfare. I thought if they were willing to buy airfare for us, they would have said so; I ended up buying nonrefundable tickets to the east coast from California about 30 minutes before an email from Princeton told me that they'd be willing to pay for all airfare and ground transportation.</p>

<p>Alright, well I also wanted to stay a while with my sister who I haven't seen in about a year, but no, Princeton only buys you tickets for planes that leave on the beginning and ending dates of Princeton Preview.</p>

<p>Okay, so maybe they'll just buy me a one way ticket? Nope, only roundtrip tickets. Ended up having an eleven email long chain conversation with Princeton's travel agency. Guess I'm going to have to just pay for plane tickets/shuttle transportation on my own.</p>

2

<p>Have them buy you a round trip and just don't show up for the flight back. :)</p>

3

<p>LOL, I wouldn't want to make Princeton angry at me...</p>

4

<p>Well, it kind of makes sense; otherwise they would have to negotiate all kinds of deals with kids who want to stay an extra day or arrive a day late or whatever... Inconvenient, yes, but less hassle for them. Also take into account that they must be pretty busy trying to set up all these travel deals on such short notice for the hundreds of applicable kids.</p>

5

<p>the same thing happened to me, and my ticket was non-refundable. So I called the agency, who directed me to the dean that sent the email (Chris Burkmar) and he said he would reimburse me for my plane fees. So try that out.</p>

6

<p>really?!?? they pay for airfare?!?!! i'm from cali too and was JUSt about to book my ticket.</p>

<p>so how does that work? do i call them or is there a special site/form?</p>

7

<p>I already bought my tickets! How/Where do you get them to reimburse you or book it or w/e?</p>

8

<p>Seems like there should have been better communication regarding airline travel reimbursement. With that said, I think that it is wonderful that they are paying your airfare...to expect them to have it work around visiting family seems a bit much to me!</p>

9

<p>Do they pay airfare for all admitted students? If so, I really, really want to get in next year!</p>

10

<p>Would it be fair to say that if you qualify for financial aid for the admit weekend, they would have contacted you already? Princeton has offered me aid, but only like 1/5 of the total. Since I haven't gotten an email offering to pay for my admit weekend, I feel like this means I wouldn't qualify, and asking would be rude. And annoying the FA office wouldn't be the best thing in the world...? I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!</p>

11

<p>I do think there must be some level of need exhibited for them to make that offer.. (this is just personal speculation, but like 1000 need vs 35000 = difference, no?) annabell, I'm sure the FA officers won't mind a quick question about that.</p>

12

<p>Congratulations on your acceptance to Princeton University! </p>

<p>As you may have noticed in your admission packet, we’d like to invite you to campus for one of our Princeton Preview programs. Our colleagues in the Financial Aid Office let us know that, based on your demonstrated financial need, you might appreciate financial assistance to attend one of our Princeton Preview programs. With this in mind, your invitation includes round-trip airfare from your home airport to the Newark or Philadelphia Airport . We will also pay for your ground transportation from the airport to the Princeton campus. </p>

<p>To take us up on this offer, you must make your travel arrangements with our travel agents at Deluxe Travel, e-mail me to confirm you are coming, AND register for one of our programs on-line. Please contact Deluxe Travel ASAP and register for the first program by April 7th or for the second program by April 13th. Our travel agents can be reached at: <a href="mailto:dlxtrvl@bellatlantic.net">dlxtrvl@bellatlantic.net</a> or at (609) 924-6270.</p>

<p>E-mailing our travel agents is the preferred method for making your travel arrangements, but if you feel more comfortable speaking with them on the phone, please feel free to call them between 8:30am and 5:30pm EST. When e-mailing Deluxe Travel, please include the following information in the text of your message:</p>

<ul>
<li> name as it appears on your ID</li>
<li> home phone number, cell phone number and mailing address</li>
<li> the city/town you live in and the closest airport to your house</li>
<li> your seating preference (aisle, middle, or window seat)</li>
<li> which Princeton Preview program you’d like to attend (April 10-12 or April 17-19)</li>
</ul>

<p>Our office will be billed directly for all of your travel expenses. After making your travel arrangements, you must also register for the hosting weekend at: <a href="http://www.princeton.edu/preview%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.princeton.edu/preview&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch. Visiting the campus during a Princeton Preview program is a wonderful way to get a sense of what Princeton has to offer and we sincerely hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity.</p>

<p>I look forward to meeting you soon.</p>

<p>Best,
Chris Burkmar
Assistant Dean of Admission
Princeton University
(609) 258-8369</p>

<p>I got this on April 2 (Wednesday), so if it's not here by now it probably means you aren't eligible for this.</p>

13

<p>Thanks for that, IAmNobody and opqpop! I did think it would sound unreasonable if I asked. :) This means I won't be able to attend the preview since tickets are about $4000 dollars at least. :P I've never had the chance to visit any colleges but I've pretty much decided on Princeton anyway. Hope to see you guys in August/September!</p>