As I approach my second to last year at Princeton, I find myself astonished at how quickly time passes; days blur into weeks, weeks into months, and then eventually, a whole year has gone by and I find myself looking back at where I was previously and where I am today. Two years is a lot — three is even more. Three years is the right amount of time to self-proclaim myself as an expert on all things Princeton, yet also, a decent duration that leaves me time to humbly realize there is still a lot I have (probably) yet to learn. 

For now, here are some lessons, experiences, and findings I wish a 17 year old me knew when I was applying to Princeton. 

1. Princeton has a lot of resources — a TON. For example, Lewis Library has the Makerspace, which rents out plenty of portable gadgets, devices, and tools for both personal and academic use. The Career Center has frequent drop-in hours for advising sessions alongside numerous networking opportunities. Dillon Gym has a wide breadth of unique classes that one can explore when choosing to work out. Truly — every building here has its own subsection of departmental resources that help to enrich your life at Princeton. 
2. There is plenty of free food on campus. Aside from the dining halls, eating clubs, and numerous cafes at Princeton, one can find food through the FreeFood listserv. The listserv frequently promotes uneaten (and fresh) food that can be found across campus. It redirects leftover food from clubs, halls, and departments, preventing it from going to the landfill by circulating it to anyone interested in grabbing a small bite to eat or a larger meal for the day. It is simultaneously sustainable and convenient for those who find themselves wanting a snack.
3. The Residential Colleges (ResCo) at Princeton host plenty of social activities . Aside from the weekly socials that each ResCo hosts for their members, quite often, there will be opportunities to sign up for excursions with the members of your college. Some examples include going to a baseball game or a musical in Broadway.
4. Princeton has lots of fairs — career fairs, academic fairs, ResCo fairs, etc. From professional networking opportunities to extracurricular and study abroad exploration, these fairs are rich sources of snacks, merch, and information for those on the hunt for opportunities.
5. Orange grows on you — there’s something slightly obnoxious about the color that screams pride. Whether you find yourself intentionally sporting the color on a game day or just hastily slapping on the abundance of merch you find yourself accumulating, you begin to grow a deep found appreciation for orange.

These aren’t the most innovative or extraordinary findings but they are things I assume my younger self would greatly appreciate (or at least find amusing). Perhaps as you embark on your own college journey, you’ll find yourself creating your own list of musings that one day you can look back at with profound gratitude and nostalgia. 

It’s the summer before senior year and you’re set on becoming a Princeton tiger, all ready to stride through FitzRandolph Gate next August—or honestly insert your dream school. One obstacle remains though, you’re being asked to collapse your values, achievements, personality, identity, skills, and aspirations into the tiny question boxes with character limits. No brainer, right?

Looking back to my own college application struggles in the fall of 2022, certain advice still sticks out. Below, I’ll summarize five guiding principles that helped me the most.

1. Know who you are. 

College applications ask students to articulate a sense of self that can be the most difficult aspect of applying. What’s your deepest belief? What’s something you talk about for hours on end? What do you do with your friends? If you have answers to these questions, they’ll translate into a compelling story.

2. Do your homework. 

There’s no formula for piecing together the professors, student groups, classes, research institutes, and social components that make Princeton right for you. Chat with current students, learn about the school's research focuses, read about the senior thesis. Is there a professor that recently published a paper that sparked controversy on philosophy Twitter? Make it clear you’ve made an effort. Through this you might also find clarity on which schools shouldn’t be on your list.

3. Envision the future. 

While many kids hold national titles or start nonprofits, I think applications are less about raw achievement and more about your vision for yourself. Think less about what you’ve done; rather, how are the people and resources at Princeton going to make you the best version of yourself? If you’re not sure of your direction, what are different avenues the school can facilitate you in exploring? What do you want to learn, study, accomplish, that you can’t find elsewhere? How is this shaping you into someone they'll will be proud to call an alum when you’re a decade post-graduation?

4. Understand what you bring to the community. 

This doesn’t just mean your big award or largest community service project—this is anything you’ve poured your heart into. What would you mention while meeting a stranger at Sunday brunch? What’s something you did in high school that you could bring to colleges and really add to what exists there? Make them remember you.

5. Own what you have. 

Writing essays is not the time to focus on justifying why your achievements are particularly impressive, or conversely, why your circumstances prevented you from doing more. Context is good, always share it, but substance is key. Show colleges the best of your high school journey, and be proud of it! Whether you won the International Math Olympiad, taught the SAT math section to local students, or spent your evenings taking care of siblings, your experiences are what you make of them, so talk about what you learned and how it shaped you for the better.

Good luck, future tigers!

Congratulations on your acceptance to Princeton University! As an international student, you’re about to embark on an incredible journey filled with new experiences and opportunities. Knowing how overwhelming and confusing the transition can be, here’s a detailed guide on the essential steps to take before you arrive on campus.

1. Connect with Future Peers on Social Media

Looking back, one of the best things I did to start my Princeton journey was connect with future classmates online. Social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp are great tools for this. While I didn’t join the Facebook group for incoming Princeton students, I did participate in discussions with my Summer Cohort group, and I also reached out to people I saw on the Princeton 2026 Instagram profile as well as current students. These connections provided me support, answered my questions, and overall helped me transition to college life.  

2. Arrange Your Visa Appointment

Securing your visa is a top priority. I applied and scheduled my visa appointment with the U.S. embassy (or consulate) as soon as I received my I-20 form from Princeton. Visa processing times can vary, so it’s important to act quickly. Ensure you have all the required documents, including proof of financial support and any other paperwork specified by the embassy or consulate.

Steps for a Successful Visa Application:

• Gather Documents: I checked a thousand times that I had my I-20, passport, financial documents, visa pictures, and any other required paperwork before going to the embassy.
• Schedule the Appointment: Book your appointment as early as possible to avoid delays. I checked every day and yet it took me 2 weeks until I got an appointment in which I would get my visa on time before leaving. Ideally, you would get the visa before buying flights, but that can be very expensive, so just be on the lookout for appointments daily. Even if it seems as if there are none, the website is updated every day. 
• Prepare for the Interview: Before going to the embassy, I also prepared myself to explain my study plans and how I was going to finance your education (just in case.)

For more information, the Davis International Center is a really good resource to understand the different types of visas and the application requirements. 

3. Register for International Orientation

International Orientation is a program (the best program) designed to help you acclimate to life at Princeton and in the U.S. This orientation introduced me to campus resources, provided important information about visa regulations, and helped me meet other international students. We did awesome activities and even went to Target to buy anything we needed! I also got paired with two IO leaders, who were older international Princeton students that were great resources. This was truly an invaluable resource for a smooth transition.

4. Complete Matriculation Documents

Princeton provided a list of matriculation documents that had to be completed before my arrival to the US. This included health forms, financial documents, housing applications, and other administrative paperwork. It was a bit much to handle, but completing these documents promptly was essential to ensure a smooth start.

5. Pack Smart: Essentials vs. Non-Essentials

Packing for a move across the globe was stressful, as I had to find the right balance between taking what I needed but not overpacking. It may be difficult at first, but I ended up getting used to it. After two years here, I have realized that overpacking can make both move-in and move-out a lot more difficult, so focus on essentials. The following is the prioritization that worked for me:

Essentials to bring:

• Personal Documents: Passport, visa, admission letter, I-20 form (for F-1 visa) or DS-2019 form (for J-1 visa), and any other important papers.
• Clothing: I made sure to pack for all seasons, as Princeton experiences a full range of weather. However, for certain stuff that takes up a lot of space, like a winter coat, I bought them in American outlets for reasonable prices. 
• Electronics: It was essential for me to bring my laptop, phone, chargers, and any necessary adapters or converters for U.S. outlets. I wish I had brought a portable power bank for convenience.
• Personal Care Items: I only brought basic toiletries for the first few days and then bought the rest in nearby stores.

Items to Buy in Princeton:

• Comforter, Pillows, and Bedsheets: After having gone through the struggle of packing all my stuff after the year is done here in Princeton, I have learned that these can take up a lot of space. I personally bought them locally to save space.
• Furniture and Room Decor: One of the things I enjoyed most about move-in was decorating and personalizing my dorm with pictures, lights, and posters. Other items that I have seen other students buy are lamps, rugs, and storage solutions. These are best bought locally.
• School Supplies: I bought cheap notebooks, pens, and other school essentials at Target, so don’t worry about them. Also, despite being very old school, after a few lectures I realized that it was easier and very convenient to take notes on my computer.

6. Figure out Mobile Phone and Bank

I personally came to the US with a bank already and had a good idea of what mobile company I wanted to use, as it was much easier and less stressful. However, International Orientation also had a "fair" with different companies that could provide services. But in all honesty, I was able to get through the first semester without an American number at all because Princeton had Wifi everywhere and I didn’t really go off campus very frequently. Some of the most popular phone companies and banks among internationals are Mint and Chase. 

7. Final Preparations: Get on a Flight and Enjoy

As the departure date approached, I made sure to confirm my flight details and check that I had all the documentation needed. I also made sure to know how to get from the airport to campus with public transport. The Davis IC has a really good guide as to how to arrive. This guide also contains useful information about different topics mentioned above (weather, banks, phone number…) that I found particularly useful. 

Final Thoughts

Preparing for Princeton as an international student involved careful planning and a sense of readiness to embrace new experiences. Connecting with peers, packing strategically, completing necessary documents, and participating in orientation and meetings, really prepared me for a successful and enjoyable start to your Princeton journey. Safe travels, and see you on campus!

As senior year draws to a close, the anticipation surrounding college admissions can feel overwhelming. It's natural to fixate on the outcome, but obsessing over it can make the waiting game unbearable. Instead of allowing anxiety to consume you, consider adopting a different approach—one that emphasizes living in the present moment and making the most of your final months of high school.

First and foremost, it's essential to resist the temptation to constantly dwell on college admissions. While it's undoubtedly a significant milestone, fixating on it won't expedite the process or change the outcome. Remember that there's only so much you can control, and worrying excessively won't alter the decision-making process.

Instead, shift your focus to enjoying the present moment. Senior year offers countless opportunities for growth, exploration, and self-discovery. Rather than letting college admissions dominate your thoughts, immerse yourself in new experiences and pursue your passions wholeheartedly. Whether it's joining a club, participating in a community service project, or exploring a new hobby, embrace the chance to broaden your horizons and create lasting memories. Spend time with your loved ones and especially with your friends. You might all be spread out in future years due to college, so make sure to enjoy your time with them. 

Resist the urge to compare yourself to others or measure your worth solely based on college admissions outcomes. Each student's journey is unique, and success is not defined solely by acceptance letters. Trust in your abilities and recognize that your worth extends far beyond the confines of a college application.

In my own experience, while I was waiting for my decision in Barcelona, I found solace in maintaining a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of college admissions. I continued to prioritize my academic responsibilities, engage in my music extracurricular activities, and spend time with friends and family. By treating college applications as just one aspect of my life rather than its focal point, I was able to alleviate some of the pressure and anxiety associated with the waiting game. No one around me really knew how the American college admissions process worked, so being surrounded by people with whom I couldn’t talk about it or stress about it definitely helped me forget about college decisions. 

Ultimately, I found it helpful to remember that the college admissions process is just one chapter in my life story. Regardless of the outcome, my worth and potential remain unchanged. So, rather than allowing the uncertainty of college admissions to overshadow senior year, choose to enjoy the present moment, explore new opportunities, and pursue your passions. Trust in the journey and have faith that everything will unfold as it's meant to.

“Just trust me, you’ll be fine.” 

These are the words I wish someone would have told me after college decisions came out; that period of my life feels like it was ages ago, but it has only been two years since I opened my application portal with a feeling that can only be described as both anticipation and anxiety. 

This anxiety doesn’t go away after the dreaded decision day. It manifests itself days and weeks after too — especially when you start weighing your choices of where to go — or for the early birds — what to pack, what to expect, and what will happen in the next 4 years of your life. 

Understandably, a lot of big changes will come about in the next few weeks and months. Here’s an unofficial guide of what to do (and expect) if you are feeling lost and something that I wish younger me had access to: 

1. Be kind to yourself —Whether or not you got in, or are still waiting for a decision, celebrate yourself and how far you’ve come! It can be a hard day for everyone but remember that these decisions don’t determine your worth. So congratulate your friends, celebrate yourself, and hug your loved ones a little tighter. 
2. Most colleges will send an email with next steps outlining different events or things to anticipate in the coming weeks or months. Make sure to read each and every email thoroughly! You might be asked to send photos for your student ID cards, verify your financial aid information, or undergo a series of educational programs that will help you better acclimate to campus life once you’re there. 
3. Start crafting a list of things you need to purchase, bring, and pack. What’s the weather like in the Summer and Winter? Will you need a bike? It might be a good time to start curtailing a spreadsheet of items to look over and doing some research. 
4. Ask for help — there are a lot of resources online that prepare you for what move in day will look like, different orientation programs, meal plans, etc. Each college is unique in what it has to offer but current students and the school’s official website will be your best friend during this time, so don’t be afraid to consult these resources. 
5. And lastly, take it slow! You’ll have a whole Summer ahead of you to figure things out and figure out the next steps. Be present — cherish your remaining time at school. Spend more time with your loved ones. But most importantly, be excited! 

In the blink of an eye, time will fly by — while this period will usher in many changes, some things will stay the same. 

You’ll always have your home, your family, and your friends to support you, but most importantly, you’ll always have yourself. Be your biggest cheerleader and look forward to the next couple of months! 

In the past two years I have been at Princeton, I have worked at 4 different jobs. Most of these jobs were posted on JobX — our website for student employment opportunities — and ranged from working at Firestone library to writing for this very student blog. Each opportunity has given me the privilege of acquiring very diverse experiences and I am always amazed at how many incredible people I’ve met along the way. Here are a few of the jobs I’ve worked at since coming to Princeton:

Marquand Library: I’ve worked at Marquand since I was a Freshman. Nestled in Floor C of Firestone, a typical day at Marquand looks like sitting at our front desk, welcoming patrons, and occasionally doing a scan of different manuscripts and books that students, faculty, and staff request. Working here has always felt special to me — not only because it was my first job at Princeton, but because it is the perfect job to get my day started or to end a long day. I can always know what to expect and I enjoy working with the staff, who are all so knowledgeable yet welcoming. Coming in for a shift here never feels exhausting. If anything, this library serves as a home away from home. 

ELA Conversation Partner: I’ve worked for McGraw as an ELA conversation partner for the past year and I’ve been able to meet incredible people through this program. Each week, I meet with two graduate students for an hour and we work on their conversational English speaking skills; sometimes we will grab coffee and other times we will go grocery shopping. There really is no set agenda — I coordinate and plan our activities and each week will vary dramatically. This job has given me the honor of getting to connect and build relationships with the graduate students here at Princeton; learning how radically different yet similar our lives are from one another has truly been a fun experience.

Communications Intern: As a communications intern for the Princeton Entrepreneurship Council, I’ve been able to do some amazing work with some truly accomplished people. The council consists of 5-6 other individuals who each play an important role in their respective ways. My job is to liaison and interview Princeton alumni, students, faculty, and staff so that I can write a story on the entrepreneurial work they’ve done and the impact they hope to achieve. This has truly broadened my perspective on what entrepreneurship entails and the expansive resources Princeton has to offer. At this job, I get to enjoy learning new things and meeting new people.

Admissions Blogger: The blog you are reading right now is a product of my work as an admissions blogger here at Princeton! When I was applying, this job appealed to me because it provided me a creative outlet to express myself. Moreover, this role enables me to share my Princeton experience while also giving back to our community in a small way. As a blogger, I usually attend monthly meetings and brainstorm on potential topics I’d like to talk about. Then, I write the stories you get to read! This job has really deepened my understanding of student life here at Princeton, not just by reading the other student blogs but also by reflecting on my own experience.

In April of 2021, shortly after being admitted, I visited campus with my parents for the first time. After grabbing a quick breakfast on Nassau Street, we walked towards campus, warm coffee in hand as I tried to take it all in—I think my parents fell in love with campus before I had a chance to fully process where I was.

We spent the morning wandering around aimlessly, first passing through FitzRandolph Gate and walking by Nassau Hall, then towards Blair Arch and down to the rest of campus. Eventually, we made it to Prospect Gardens, where the beginning of spring had left behind the sweet smell of blossoming flowers and bright colors everywhere.

I remember my mom turning to me and saying, “Odette, I can just picture you reading a book on that bench over there.” (With the knowledge I have now, I can confirm it is a very comfortable bench. I read several excerpts of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America on that bench, but I’m getting ahead of myself here.)

Everywhere we walked, we passed by students talking about the relief of completing their senior theses. I didn’t know it at the time, but we were visiting shortly after many departments had already required submissions of the senior thesis for their students. It was intimidating to think about, but I was also fascinated by how excited they all sounded about their work. When we ate lunch later that day at Proof Pizza, we sat next to a group of students who very quickly transitioned from discussing their weekend plans to debating a topic from their math class.

Back on campus, we started to realize many of the trees were labeled with their scientific names.

“What a nerdy thing to do,” I joked with my parents.

For some reason, this particular anecdote stuck with me the most when I returned home. When my friends and family asked about how my visit had been, I could only reply with “they label their trees up there.” Entering my third year, the labeled trees scattered across campus are still one of my favorite things about Princeton, and although it was something that was merely kind of strange and amusing back then, I think it’s a testament to what Princeton stands for.

Maybe this goes without saying, but knowledge is everywhere, and I mean everywhere on campus.

If you asked me now what it’s like to go to Princeton, I think I’d start with the same response. No mundane fact is too insignificant, no question unworthy of being asked. It is inspiring to be surrounded by thousands of students who are as passionate about learning as I am. I could not count the number of thought-provoking conversations I’ve had over Wawa mac and cheese, or the number of times I’ve left a class absolutely in awe of my classmates.

Curiosity and the quest for knowledge are central to all that Princeton is, and if this sounds like the sort of environment you’d love, then I’d say you’re already halfway home.

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It is easy to say Princeton is beautiful, but real beauty goes beyond appearance and reputation. The heart of a school is the people and the people at Princeton are some of the best you’ll ever meet–they make this school beautiful. Is it easy to make friends? Will I fit in? These are the most common questions first-years ask before entering Princeton’s campus and I think at the root of these questions, it boils down to: will I find a community? Students from around the country and even the world enter Princeton’s orange bubble and hope they’ll find belonging. What does it mean to belong?

In my first year, I didn’t know what to expect. I wish I could say that I worried about the common concerns many other students had coming in. Instead, I was just excited to have a normal college experience, see people face to face, and create connections. My lack of expectations made it easier for me to settle. I didn’t engage in all the opportunities available and never stepped outside my comfort zone. My first year was a learning experience, it was filled with trials and errors and sometimes isolation. While it may not have been the most ideal experience, it highlighted how important it was for me to push myself and seek connections–to find my community. 

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One of the ways I find belonging is in the classroom. My Latino Literature and Film seminar is a class full of Latine students who share similar lived experiences. I resonate so quickly with their feelings and I learn of different cultures and upbringings that influence perception on representation, all within an hour and a half. One of the reasons I love the Latino Studies program is because of Professor Rivera-Lopez. She constantly finds ways to make us question how Latine individuals are represented in film and what authentic stories look like. I previously took a seminar with her in the fall semester called "Introduction to Latino/a/x Studies" and this is where I learned a history that is so often overlooked and forgotten. Many people from the fall seminar decided to continue into the spring semester taking Professor Rivera-Lopez’s classes, these people began forming my community here. 

One of the other ways I find belonging is by demonstrating my support to the organizations that bring joy to my Princeton experience. Más Flow is Princeton’s premier Latine dance company which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. A couple of friends and I went to their spring production “La Fiesta del Año”. I loved seeing my friends and people I had classes with perform on stage, dancing to music that reminded me a bit of home. I tend to look for community with what feels familiar to me, but I also just love catching up with people I work with or friends via quick trips to late meal and USG movie nights.

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I can’t say I am the same person I was when I walked through FitzRandolph Gates during pre-rade but I like that I am still finding out who I am. Belonging does not have to be definite, our identities are complex and growing. The friendships you make your freshman year won’t always last but that doesn’t mean they weren’t meaningful. I love being able to interact with so many people who have interesting and different perspectives. Princeton's campus is a space where you are both challenged and embraced, that is one of the reasons I love it so much.

To the Class of 2027, I can’t ensure that your journey will be easy or perfect by any means but it will be memorable. Worries and excitement are all normal feelings but I hope you won’t allow your nerves to dictate your time here. Make that first step and try something new because if there’s a time or space to do anything, it’s at Princeton. Embrace the new atmosphere and don’t settle for what is within reach, community is most often found in places you’ll least expect it to be. Congratulations on your acceptance and I hope to see you next fall!

It’s that time of year again. My team and I are making last minute tweaks to the incoming first-year class.

We’ve spent the past several months reading, re-reading and discussing the applications that many of you reading this blog put hours of preparation into. We have appreciated learning about your academic pursuits, the activities that intrigue you outside of the classroom and the factors that led you to apply to Princeton. We have laughed at your funny anecdotes, cried (yes, cried) over some of the situations you have trusted us enough to share and thought about how you might add to this vibrant community. And now it comes down to your receiving a decision.

You might not believe it, but this is not my favorite part of my job. Don’t get me wrong, I think I have one of the best jobs on this campus – being able to serve my alma mater in a way that introduces her to prospective students around the world. But in this moment, providing decisions that will exhilarate some and devastate others is not my idea of fun.

So, each year, I try to remind ALL applicants that receiving a decision from a college (whether it’s Princeton or some other amazing institution of higher learning) should not make or break you. If you receive positive news, that’s excellent! Celebrate, decide if it’s the place you can see yourself learning and growing inside and outside of the classroom and base your decision on whether or not to enroll on whether or not the school is a fit for you academically, socially and financially.

If you receive not-so positive news, know that one school’s decision does not indicate anything about your ability to be successful in college. I can only speak for Princeton, but each year we receive applications from many more highly qualified students than we could possibly admit. And, each year we have to say no to many of those same students. I realize that doesn’t take the sting out of receiving anything other than an admit. Still, I hope that you will not let the received decision keep you down. Rather, take a minute to absorb it, and then regroup and put your efforts into your senior year activities. Importantly, remember to enjoy the remainder of your high school senior year, as making those memories are as important as figuring out the next phase of your life.

Whatever decision you receive from Princeton or any other college or university you have applied to, please know that we have enjoyed getting to know you. Your story is unique to you and important. And whatever campus community is allowed to benefit from your presence will be all the better for it.

Good luck with this next adventure!

It goes without saying that every student currently enrolled at Princeton has a unique journey that led them here, but when I was still a prospective student, this is something that was especially important for me to remember. So allow me to say it again: there is no “normal” path to Princeton, and there is no “normal” Princeton student.

Like many other nervous prospective applicants, I spent countless hours during my senior year of high school searching the Internet for answers–for anything that would tell me whether or not Princeton was even remotely attainable for me. Sure, I’d always gotten good grades, but what if that wasn’t enough? I’d been a public school student all my life, and although I greatly valued that education, I knew there would be other applicants that would have gone to different schools that had likely better prepared and exposed them to the rigor of ideas and extracurriculars that Princeton was looking for. In the weeks leading up to the January 1st deadline, my head swarmed with self-doubt.

I almost didn’t apply, but on December 31st, I submitted my application. To avoid getting my hopes up, I told myself that even if I got in, I probably wouldn’t go because it was more than a thousand miles away, and it’d be too hard, and I didn’t want to live in New Jersey anyway, and… 

I believe my first words were, “Oh my God I got in,” and I believe after that (as well as after refreshing the page dozens of times to make sure it hadn’t been a mistake) they were, “What am I going to do?”

Up until that point, I had been ready to submit my acceptance to one of the state schools near my hometown. Maybe the fact I hadn’t yet was a testament in itself that I was hoping for my admission at Princeton, but that didn’t change the fact that I was scared of leaving Florida: all of my friends would be staying close to home; I had never gone so far on my own; and my family–my sister and my parents–and I were all extremely close since my parents had immigrated from Mexico and raised us far from any true support system. Princeton, with its Gothic architecture and ivy-covered walls, did not feel like the place for me–I did not think it was a space made for people like me, even after being accepted.

I won’t lie to you that Princeton was immediately, or even now, all sunshine and rainbows. As I look forward to declaring Politics as my major, as well as applying to law school in the future, I still struggle with these sorts of thoughts. But this is home now, and I’ve learned to embrace the rigor and explore the endless opportunities at my disposal here. If I had given in to the fear and the uncertainty, there is so much that I would have missed out on:

• Every beautiful seasonal transition on campus, including experiencing my first snowfall;
• Amazing friends, including my roommate of two years that I genuinely could not live without;
• Meeting Nobel Prize winners in the middle of class or watching movies get filmed on campus;
• My upcoming internship with an amazing organization in Trenton through the Princeton Internships in Civic Service (PICS) program;
• Engaging in all of Princeton’s quirky traditions;
• And above all, tremendous self-growth.

Maybe this is a letter to my past self, or maybe it’s a love letter to Princeton. But to you, future applicant, or to you, future student–if there is anything that you get out of this one of thousands of stories, it is this:

You belong here, and sometimes the scariest choice turns out to be the right choice after all.

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