We went to Princeton information session on Tuesday this week, the assistant Dean told us that Princeton’s EA does not prevent applicants applying other colleges’ EA, as long as they are non-binding and not ED. I think either I misunderstood him or he misinterpreted the admission policy, because it is different than what I read on Princeton webpage and their brochure unless they just change their policy for the 2013. Could anybody clarify this? Thank you.
Princeton has Single Choice Early Action which means you cannot apply early to any other private colleges or universities but you may apply early to any public university as long as it is non binding.
I plan to apply there mostly for the Woodrow Wilson school, but I have heard stories that it's EXTREMELY cutthroat due to grade deflation, that it's elitist with "eating clubs", etc. Is this true and how does Princeton compare with other top Ivies in this respect?
I don't know who you heard that from but you're wrong. The eating clubs are extremely open and welcoming to everyone on campus. Anyone that wants to join one is able to and the vast majority of them are far from "elitest". Also, regarding grade deflation, yes it can suck but I've never seen anything remotely cutthroat. In every course that I've been in, everybody works together on psets or studies together for exams. I really have no idea who you heard all of that from....
I don't know that particular stat. Freshmen GPAs are always way lower anyway. And I think the deflation issue has been talked to death here.
Basically: I don't care about deflation, but then, I'm a COS BSE. So my GPA isn't all that important. True, the freshman engineering classes aren't easy to get A's in, but IMO that's as it should be. If by "destroy" you mean "will I get B's?", then yes, you probably will.
Also I believe that deflation hasn't really impacted the engineers a whole lot -- it was originally intended to make the humanities departments grade more similarly to the science / engineering departments, since before it was sort of unfair.
As for cutthroat-ness / elitism: I have yet to experience ANY cutthroat behavior. People are generally quite collaborative and will eagerly offer to help you...and as for the eating clubs, a few of them are a little elitist, but the sign-in clubs (which are half of all the clubs) are very popular and take anyone who wants to join. They can be a real blast. My experience has been that I've been able to totally avoid any snobbish people (dumb luck? are there not that many of them?) and that my club is totally open and relaxed. And in general, elitism isn't something that's been a problem for me.
How is Princeton's PPE degree? I know that Princeton is not renowned for its law school, but it obviously has superb economics/politics/philosophy programs, but what about the actual PPE as a whole? How does it compare to, say, Penn in that regard?
RE: Eating Clubs - which is best for someone on the quieter/less rowdy partier side?
Yeah, yeah, I know, unless I am searching in the wrong sites, it seems Princetonians (right term?) are very reluctant to "stereotype the clubs" - at least in print. But every now and then I will see a reference like "wealthy kids are more prevalent in Ivy",etc. so I wondered, which one or two clubs are most befitting a student who doesn't love loud, crowded parties where you can't hear anyone talk, and is not a drinker, but still wishes to join a club?
Does his major matter? Ok, math major.
Also, which club offers the most "non party options" like maybe having ping-pong, billards, foosball, and/or video game console(s), etc.?
I hope some of you (current students) will take the time to respond.
P.S. Yes, I know one should join based on others' personalities - not just material items - but it IS the "personalities" I am trying to figure out by asking more indirect questions.
I am actually not a great resource for club-stereotyping because I don't hang out on the Street that much. Also, for the record, it might be a bit early to consider which clubs you (or your child?) would like to join
Disclaimers aside! I've found that almost all the clubs have a lot of "daytime" social stuff that is usually alcohol-free (volleyball, board games, IM sports; almost every club also seems to have an Xbox or something). Also, members-only parties at some clubs can be much more comfortable and totally different experiences than most nights. Charter or Quad might be worth looking at.
Also, a number of upperclassmen just stay on the meal plan or go independent, and there's nothing wrong with that, either.
My son is applying and would love to spend time in a dorm, in some classes and around students. Can anyone suggest a way to set this up? Contacts? Student group? Looks like the admissions office does not do this. Thanks.
I think that Princeton intends for students to wait until Princeton Preview in the spring, if they get accepted. Is there a reason why you'd be visiting early?
Otherwise, your best bet is a personal contact. Sports teams bring recruits onto campus. There are also a few targeted programs that do this, I think (Humanities Symposium?). You can of course come to campus and take an Orange Key tour, but...that's just a tour, unfortunately.
I have a quick question about the Princeton supplement. How much detail should I put in the response about summer activities? For example, should I just list that I did summer theater, or could I go into detail about my roles?
So my GPA isn't all that important. True, the freshman engineering classes aren't easy to get A's in, but IMO that's as it should be. If by "destroy" you mean "will I get B's?", then yes, you probably will.
