During my time at Princeton, I’ve talked to a number of prospective students, and through those conversations, I’ve picked up on the biggest questions people have about Princeton, some based on misconceptions, some on rumors, and some… on truth?
I know April can feel overwhelming, high school seniors across the nation are deciding on the next four years of their lives and at Princeton, seniors are wrapping up their own four years with a looming thesis deadline. We’ve all got big things ahead. But I wished I had someone to demystify Princeton for me when I was a 17-year-old just trying to figure out – what even is a thesis?
Is it bad to say I didn’t know I had to write a thesis before coming to Princeton? Kind of ironic, considering it’s one of the things we’re known for – “Hi everyone, here’s my 100-page book!” If you already know about the thesis, you’re one step ahead of 17-year-old me. Aside from that very minor (okay, major) oversight, I was mostly just excited about staying in-state. Seventeen-year-old me loved the East Coast and couldn’t imagine ever leaving. Which brings us to…
FAQ #1: What’s the weather like in New Jersey?
As someone who has lived in NJ her whole life, I can confidently say – even I haven’t gotten used to NJ weather. It’s wildly unpredictable and could probably give you whiplash with how often it changes. But there’s a beauty in that. Some of my best memories have been late-night talks in the freezing cold on Poe Field or warm walks down Nassau Street in the spring. Our campus is beautiful in all seasons, just make sure to pack for all of them.
Now, you might be wondering—Wait, you had time for walks and late-night chats? I thought Princeton students didn’t have a social life! One of the biggest misconceptions about Princeton is that we’re all buried in books in the lower levels of Firestone Library. And yes, we do study. But that’s why balance is key.
FAQ #2: How do you balance academically rigorous work, a social life, and… everything else?
I love this question because my answer has changed throughout my time here.
As a first-year, I refused to give in to the Google Calendar obsession that seems to have every Princeton student in a chokehold. I thought I could handle everything without meticulously planning my week. That illusion lasted until sophomore year, when I realized I was losing track of assignments, work, and time with friends. I finally gave in to Google Calendar, and I’ve never looked back – GCal will be your best friend here.
But beyond scheduling, the real key is making time for what’s important to you. In what feels like a high-pressure environment, things like self-care can feel optional but they’re actually your foundation. As a senior, I can look back and see how much I’ve grown. Yes, I love organizing my week, but I also need those spontaneous moments of talking with friends late into the night or taking a random weekend trip to NYC. Balance looks different for everyone, but the most important thing is to hold onto the things that make you feel whole.
And now, the biggest question—the one that’s probably been on your mind ever since you saw the tiger pop up on your acceptance screen:
FAQ #3: Why Princeton?
Honestly? This question still stumps me. A million reasons come to mind, but none of them might resonate with you.
What I can say is that Princeton has given me everything I ever wanted from a college experience. These past four years have been the best of my life. I’ve studied abroad, worked with professionals in my field, designed and led independent research, and passed on what I’ve learned to the next class of students. I’ve made a core group of lifelong friends and met so many amazing people. I truly believe that knowledge is one of the best things we can share and getting to sit in a classroom, learning from people with completely different perspectives, has been one of the most eye-opening parts of my time here. My professors have been nothing but supportive—challenging me, uplifting me, and pushing me to grow.
I’m grateful that I’m not the same person I was when I first stepped onto this campus. But at my core, I’m still me – someone eager to learn, grow, and share knowledge with others.
At the end of the day, Princeton is what you make of it. The freedom to explore, to grow, to challenge yourself – that’s what makes this place special.
Princeton chose you. Now, it’s your turn to decide if you’ll choose Princeton, choose what excites you!
