Five Things To Know About Princeton

August 22, 2012 :: Admissionado Team

So, interested in Princeton? We’ve got you covered. Here are five things that’ll put you “in the know” when it comes to this Ivy League gem.

1. Bridge Year Program: An incredible opportunity for a select number of admitted high school seniors to defer their freshman year and opt for an abroad experience. Fully funded by the university, students live, volunteer, and completely immerse themselves in the language and culture of one of the four countries Princeton selects annually. A chance to breath and recollect oneself before heading off to four years of high education, you live with a small group of your peers.
2. Thesis: Every student’s gotta write one. What if I major in “science?” Gotta write one. It’s a requirement. Kinda makes developing a relationship with a faculty member obligatory… which is pretty amazing. Plus, you have the opportunity to conduct original research and spend a year delving into a topic that interests you. And you’ll graduate with the confidence that YOU. CAN. DO. HARD. THINGS.
3. No Loans: Say whaaaaaaaaat?! That’s right: you’ll graduate with no student loans. Princeton runs on need-blind admission—meaning their admissions office is housed separately from their financial aid office, and if you need aid, this won’t effect whether or not you are admitted—and offers need-based financial aid to its students. So, if you can’t swing the price tag for this diploma, you’ll be covered by generous grants and a campus job. Not too shabby for an Ivy education. The catch? It’s slight: they determine your “need.” It is recognized as the most generous financial aid in the country.
4. Eating Clubs: Located along Prospect Street, or “The Street,” the 10 eating clubs are a vibrant part of the Princeton community. Open to membership for juniors and seniors, these eating clubs are social (think: parties) as well as practical (think: food). They’re all co-ed, and half of the clubs are first-come, first-serve, half are by a selection process called “bicker.” They are a social hub on campus, so chances are you’ll come into contact with them while you’re here.
5. Preceptorial System: At Harvard it’s called “Section” – essentially, it’s the opportunity to meet in smaller groups to discuss the information covered in your big lecture. You might be led in your discussion by a professor, or a graduate student. Either way, it ensures that you won’t feel lost in a big lecture.

Want to know more? Check out our Princeton profile.