During my first college counseling session, one of the things repeatedly hammered into my brain was, "Don't have a dream school." At the time, dreams were my thing — I had a dream job, a dream house, a dream life, and, of course, a dream school. I could envision my future perfectly — at 17 years old — go to Princeton, become a renowned writer, move to New York City, blah blah blah. I based entire life decisions on dreams I built as a child, so upon hearing that I had to throw away the whole concept of having a dream school, I was obviously a bit stubborn. But as chaos swirled around me my senior year, the dizziness of rejections, acceptances, and deferrals permeated my life, and I learned the bitter truth that having a "dream school" could indeed hurt my feelings. Hence, I worked to unlearn my dream. I repeated the mantra that "the school doesn't matter," "the education is the most important thing," and that "I'd be fine wherever I ended up." Despite these mantras being immensely true, there's pure beauty in having a dream that often can be lost to embracing practicality.

When someone asks why I chose Princeton as my dream school, I tell them one of three stories. 1) I watched Hillary Duff's A Cinderella Story as a child. In the story, the main character is obsessed with going to Princeton. As a child, her late father told her that was where the princesses went to meet their prince. Watching this as a child, I took it literally. Going to Princeton meant going to the "princess school." So, that's where I belonged. 2) Later in life, my dream became more practical; I discovered that I wanted to be a writer. Princeton was the home of renowned writers. Jhumpa Lahiri, Tracy K. Smith, A.M. Holmes, Yiyun Li, Patricia Smith, and more. It was the best place to learn to be a writer. So, that's where I belonged. 3) During stressful times in high school, I'd envision my future. I'd watch college dorm tours on YouTube. I'd read admission site blogs. I stumbled across Tiger Tales — Princeton's admissions blog — at 14 and immersed myself in the world of Princeton. Through the tales of Princeton's student bloggers, Princeton began to feel a home away from home. I could see myself walking in the footsteps of these bloggers: taking Princeton classes and living in the Princeton dorms. So, Princeton felt like it was where I belonged.

By December of my senior year, I had become almost completely indifferent to the college application process. I devoted all my energy to my classes and extracurriculars. I attempted to ignore any emails I received from the few colleges I had applied to at the time. I dismissed most of my teacher's and counselors' advice regarding my application materials. I took the advice of not having a dream school a bit too literally; I chased the entire concept of college out of my mind. But on the evening of December 14, a chill went down my spine. I received an email from the Princeton admissions office that early action decisions would come out the following day. And just like that, the dream I had steadfastly held onto for so many years began to re-glimmer in my mind. I went into the next day anxious and excited at the prospect of either losing or achieving my dream. My mind toggled between worst-case scenarios and visions of what my future as a Tiger could look like. When the decision came around at 7 pm, clicking that "View decision" button felt like a portal to the rest of my life, and I finally understood what my counselor had meant all those months ago about not having a dream school.

Dreams are good. It's good to be ambitious. It's good to strive towards something. But you should never feel like your dreams are bigger than you; that the elusion of a dream means the end of your life. The beauty of having a dream — a dream school, a dream job, a dream city — is that there is something in that thing or place that you feel connected to, that draws you in, that feels like it's yours. Embrace that. But remember that dreams can change and that there are dreams you could achieve someday that you never would've thought of today.

I love being a Tiger. I've met some of my very best friends. I've taken some of the most engaging classes. I've gotten to see parts of the world I'd never even thought about. My vision of what my life will look like has changed immensely. I still want to make it art. I still want to be my own version of successful. But the thing I love the most about being a Tiger is how much it encourages growth. I'm not the same person I was when I selected Princeton as my dream school. I learn a new thing about myself every day. And with each new day, I'm finding new dreams to pursue. 

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! 

“I just got into Princeton,” a sentence I repeatedly uttered aloud in pure astonishment and bewilderment the night decisions were released — and those feelings still have not worn off! Opening my Princeton-acceptance letter will always be one of my most cherished memories, but I cannot gloss over the many uncertainties and ambivalent emotions that led up to and followed that letter. 

All throughout the second half of my senior year — and even while I put together my application — I had kind of convinced myself that there was no way I would get into a school like Princeton, often thinking, “Tens of thousands of amazing people apply every year. The acceptance rates are very low. Once in a blue moon does anyone from my high school go to an Ivy League school.” In spite of my doubts, though, there was always a slimmer of hope. I prayed about my college decisions, and I knew that wherever I ended up would be where the Lord called me to be, ultimately resting assured that I had done my best and He would do the rest. I applied to a few top schools just to see what would happen, and I had confidence that everything was going to work out according to His perfect plan. 

Well, after decision day and internalizing the fact that this whole Princeton thing was actually happening, my family and I signed up to attend Princeton Preview, which is a full day dedicated to introducing admitted students and their families to the beauty of Princeton. I remember the first time I set foot on Princeton’s campus was the evening before Preview. As my family and I walked through FitzRandolph Gate — NOT through the one big gate in the dead center! — and took in ol’ Nassau Hall, I looked to my parents and aunt, who spontaneously tagged along with us because she was off from work for a few days, and said, “I cannot believe I got into this school….” 

Overall, Preview was fun and really helped me envision what my life at Princeton would look like, but there was still one important question that needed answering before I could seal the deal on Princeton: How much is this school going to cost? About a week after Preview, my family and I received my financial-aid package from Princeton. Well, let me just say that when we saw the amount, we were so grateful that we could have probably done backflips off of each other. Words cannot express how generous Princeton is — do not let finances keep you from applying! In the following days, I officially committed to Princeton. 

Amid all the excitement surrounding my acceptance and enrollment into Princeton, though, there was just as much fear and nervousness. I was fearful of the unknown and nervous about what was to come and how people might engage with me, especially as a small-town Southerner going to an Ivy League school more than 10 hours from home and all the worries that entails. During this time, my faith definitely played a crucial role in dealing with all the thoughts, emotions, and decisions with which I was wrestling. The Lord never leaves us and is always there for us throughout the good, the bad, and all that is in-between. As Carrie Underwood would say, I just had to let Jesus take the wheel, realizing that He has a plan and a purpose for me attending Princeton. Although I was undoubtedly scared and completely clueless of what to expect, I knew I could find security in His everlasting peace and presence.

This blog is kind of a general summary of my “Princeton process” —  I will probably go more in depth on individual parts in future blogs — but I tell it to you in hopes that you may be able to relate to some of my experiences and can find some clarity despite all the chaos you may currently be facing. I said this in a previous blog and will say it again because it is so important to remember: everything is going to be okay. Your college decisions may or may not have turned out as you liked, but I hope you can find some solace in the fact that God has a plan and a purpose for your life — you just have to choose to give Him control and to trust Him. I know it is not easy, and disappointment definitely stings. Nonetheless, never forget that you are loved and will be able to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.

You may not share the same beliefs as me, but I would like to leave you with a Bible verse that has always brought and continues to bring me comfort and reassurance:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

• Jeremiah 29:11

   

Wishing you nothing but the best with your college decisions!

One of my favorite pastimes is going for a walk around campus. Regardless of whatever is going on, I have found that a stroll through campus is always nice, never failing to present me with an opportunity to notice features I never had before and to take some time to reflect. 

As I go on each walk, I get to appreciate all of my surroundings. Outside Henry Hall, which sits along Blair Walk, there is a stone engraving of George Washington crossing the Delaware — it may seem kind of random but is very cool and intricate! I discovered this engraving pretty early on in the school year, so anytime I made my Blair Walk trek to my Writing Seminar in New South last semester, I tried to remember to give Washington a shout-out :). You may have also noticed there are two tigers forming the frame of Washington’s Crossing, so I cannot forget to mention all the engraved tigers across campus. Certain entrance doors to McCosh Hall and 1879 Hall have engravings of tigers that are engaging in a variety of activities, from roaring and prowling around to sleeping, and there are 100+-year-old tigers that welcome those who walk under the archway of Campbell Hall. However, tigers continue to dominate their architectural presence apart from engravings, as there is also a tiger weathervane at the top of each corner of Holder Tower. These are only a few of many small details I have observed from my walks, but I will leave it to you to find other little hidden gems! 

The buildings of Princeton have not just challenged my observational skills but also enabled me to appreciate the different seasons I have had here so far. When my family and I first set foot on campus — around the time of Preview — one of the first parts we saw was the area of New South, which neighbors Whitman College and is, as mentioned earlier, where my Writing Seminar was. If you have not been near New South before, there is a circle of animal-head sculptures right outside of the building. This art piece is really impressive and fascinating, but it definitely caught me off guard when I first saw it. I remember thinking to myself, “Where am I? Why are there just random statues of animal heads on a college campus?” So, when I walk by this art piece now, I cannot help but think back to this funny yet skeptical first impression of Princeton’s campus I had. Additionally, as I pass by the buildings I had my fall-semester classes in, I often reflect on the emotions I felt at the time and some of the lessons each class taught me: somewhat anxiously walking into New South for Writing-Seminar conferences, learning Spanish vocabulary in a classroom of McCosh Hall, getting to know other freshmen and more about literature in my freshman seminar in Blair Arch, to name a few. I laugh at how frequently I find myself falling into nostalgic episodes as I go on my walks — I am only a freshman, so there is really no tellin’ how much nostalgia I will be feelin’ when I am a senior!

With final college decisions being released, I am sure many of you are going to be walking around different college campuses, trying to see which one feels most like home. Whether you are here for Preview or not, I know that the campus of whatever school you go to is going to be even more beautiful because you are a part of it. The buildings and surroundings we walk by on a college campus may strike our attention and leave impressions on us, but what truly makes a campus great is its people. So, as you tour different schools, try to appreciate their architectural surroundings, but also remember that the people are what make the places special — and that you will end up where you are meant to be!

Recently, we have been getting regular snowfalls in Princeton. From what I have heard from my Garden-State friends, this much snow is not a very common occurrence. Anytime I see snow falling on campus, I either glue myself to a window or go outside for a walk, hoping the snow will never cease and taking way too many pictures.

The other day, as I was admiring my amazing pictures of the snow, I decided to scroll back a few months to appreciate some of the scenic moments I had captured from last semester. Upon reaching October and November, I immediately found myself entranced by the red, yellow, and orange leaves along Cannon Green. Once I got to August and September, I could not help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I marveled at how green and lively campus was, reminiscing on orientation week and FDOC, or First Day of Class. 

Reflecting on these photos helped me realize a common truth that is too often overlooked: seasons always change. Life is a mosaic of seasons (I know… another “mosaic metaphor” reference): one piece is a season of happiness, another is a season of hardship, another is a season of exploration, and so on and so on. Some pieces seem better than others, but the beauty at the heart of every mosaic is all its different intricacies. If a mosaic was composed of just one piece, then it would not be a mosaic; if we only ever experienced one type of season, we would never gain appreciation for the beautiful mess that is life. We must endure difficult seasons to truly appreciate the goodness that stems from uplifting ones. Likewise, we must remember the goodness of uplifting seasons when we are met with difficult ones, knowing there is always a better day right around the corner. 

Right now, I am sure many of you are in the season of waiting. Waiting to hear back from colleges; waiting to see what the next phase of your life will look like. I was there a year ago, and let me just say, I completely understand how you are feeling. And let me also say, everything is going to be okay. 

Though this season of waiting may feel endless, know that decision day will finally arrive, and soon enough, you will be looking back and wishing time would slow down. No matter the emotions you are currently experiencing or the decision that pops up that day, just know that you are loved, you are important, and that in the end, everything is going to be okay. 

I am sure you are probably thinking, “Of course this boy thinks everything is going to be okay. He got into Princeton!” I know it sounds cliché, but truly, when I tell you everything is going to be okay, I mean it and know it wholeheartedly. 

Life has a funny way of working out. As long as you keep your head up, put one foot in front of the other, remain determined, and have even the smallest amount of faith, you can do more than you ever thought possible. I am rooting for you!

All this to say, as you look outside and see the leaves change, the snow fall, or the earliest sights of spring start to bloom, remember that the seasons of life always change and you are going to be okay. 

I will not be the first, nor the last to say this: Welcome to Princeton, congratulations! You should be incredibly proud of yourself, your hard work and dedication to school, and your journey up until this point. The Tiger community can’t wait to see you at “the best old place of all.”

As a bit of a side note for those reading this that did not get in or are hoping to in the future: just know that everyone’s journey is different and ‘success’ isn’t bound to getting into somewhere or not. Make the most of whatever situation you find yourself in and the world will be your oyster!

For those of you who will be coming to Princeton next year as the great class of 2029, you have a lot to look forward to! This includes so many things—lookout for future blogs or check out ones written by my peers—including but not limited to: Academics - famous professors, research opportunities, and cool classes; Social - student organizations/events/shows, school sports, or Eating Clubs; Professional - access to alumni, networking/info sessions, and unique opportunities.

Before then, however, you may be wondering: “I got in, but now what?” I definitely went through this when I opened my decision in December 2021. From what I can recall, the process of matriculating was very smooth so long as you read the emails the university sends. Basically, just make sure all of your paperwork, forms and eventually AP/IB exam results are sent in.

Some time after the regular decision results come out, you will be invited to meet other admitted students and alumni near your geographical area. I am from Sarasota, Florida and there were five students admitted from Southwest Florida so we met via Zoom (it was also 2022). Some of my friends from NYC and LA have told me that they went to much larger in-person gatherings, so it really depends. Regardless, it is a great opportunity to connect with future peers or alumni who may be open to mentoring you!

Speaking of meeting other students, Princeton Preview is a great place to meet other kids who got into Princeton. This happens in the spring after regular decision results come back, so one advantage to getting in early is that you can plan travel a little better (I enjoyed this perk haha). Take full advantage of meeting prospective students, or meeting up with others you’ve met online beforehand. I’m sure they have unofficial Instagram pages where you can send a profile for someone to post (I didn’t do this and definitely don’t pay money—that a scam). The official class of 2029 Instagram made by Princeton is a good place to start following other kids. I also joined Facebook and Discord groups since there was some good information about rooming. That said, it doesn’t really matter if you meet peers online beforehand since the orientation events once you get here are amazing.

While this has been a really brief overview of what happens after you get into Princeton, I hope it was somewhat helpful. I would say the most important thing right now to do is: enjoy the time you have left in high school and don’t slack off (for the most part). If you have any questions about this transition or want some advice from my experience, feel free to send me an email, thomas.danz@princeton.edu! 

I can’t wait to see you on campus. Welcome to Princeton!

"I’m just lucky."

Words I’ve found myself saying far too often.

Imposter syndrome is a pervasive feeling of self-doubt that leads people to question their accomplishments and believe they don’t deserve them. When we think about imposter syndrome, we often associate it with feelings of distress or fixating on mistakes. But there’s another side to it—a quiet voice that says we’re just lucky. That we barely scraped by. That, for some inexplicable reason, we were chosen.

It took me a long time to realize these were the feelings I carried at Princeton. I thought I was lucky to be here, grateful for an opportunity no one around me had. That mindset subtly followed me through every aspect of my college experience, unnoticed. Oh, that professor must have been grading lightly—this wasn’t my best work. The internship pool probably wasn’t that competitive this year—I’m lucky I got in. With every step forward, I was unconsciously doubting my abilities, the effort I put in, and ultimately, myself.

Slowly, I began to see the truth. My professors’ feedback, the kind words from my dean, the encouragement from my advisors—they weren’t strokes of luck. They were reflections of my work, my dedication, and my growth. Bit by bit, I began to understand that it wasn’t just luck. It was me.

These small affirmations became stepping stones, reminding me that I could take up space and claim my achievements. I grew into someone who embraced new opportunities, tackled big projects, and found confidence in my abilities. I realized the same energy I used to doubt myself, could be redirected to reassure myself.

With early action decisions coming out, I want you to know this: you aren’t just lucky. You deserve it. You earned it.

Words I wish I had told myself back then: I hope you take up space. I hope you dream big. I hope you recognize that your success isn’t just about potential—it’s about you.

My time at Princeton has taught me that I deserve my accomplishments and more. It’s given me the drive to push myself further and the confidence to acknowledge what I’ve already achieved. Mistakes, successes, and everything in between have shaped this journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. As I prepare to leave, I carry the confidence I wish I had started with. My hope for you is this: don’t wait. Know that it was never just luck. It was always you.

Each recruitment season I have the privilege of traveling internationally to visit students, parents, and counselors to talk about the Princeton experience and try to demystify the application process. I’m fortunate to read applications from all over the world and with each application comes new insight into their special corner of the world. Still, there’s something to be said for the chance to see the communities where our applicants are coming from in-person. 

This fall I had the opportunity to visit India as I crisscrossed the country for ten days. As this was my fourth trip to India, I’ve come to learn that there’s no amount of time to see or understand everything in this interesting and complex country so I’m grateful for the students and colleagues I met along the way. For most meals I ate with people who live in India full-time – counselors, alumni, and even a close family friend! Sharing meals with colleagues who live in the country I’m visiting is one of the best ways to explore the culture through cuisine.

We’re asking students to move around the world to spend four years with us in Princeton and I think it’s important not only to be in the communities our students are applying from but also to learn about the culture and history of the countries we visit during our recruitment trips. I’ve been able to visit some of India’s impressive landmarks like the Red Fort, Qutb Minar, and Taj Mahal on previous trips, but this time around I spent a lot of time in the car to visit schools further outside the city center so I listened to several podcasts about Indian history and religion as scenes of country and village life rolled by. 

When I’m “on the road” I get a lot of questions about the application process, but conversations tend to end up shifting toward the international student experience at Princeton. Moving thousands of mile from home for four years is a big deal but with students from more than 50 countries (56 in the latest class) trust me when I say that you won’t be alone in transitioning to life in the US! I’m always sure to emphasize the sense of community and intentional support network Princeton offers international students and a few things come to mind on that front:

• The Davis Center’s International Orientation program supports students in their first days in the US when the logistics of getting set up for life in a new country can feel like a lot of pressure. 
• Our residential college system gives students a strong social support network in those first few months when international students are adjusting to a new culture, and perhaps feeling a little home sick. 
• The university’s intentional approach to advising allows international students to feel guided navigating a US university for the first time. 

I’ve been recruiting internationally for twelve years now and from this experience there are a few things I know to be true. That just about every other country has a better train system than we do in the US. That no matter where we’re from we share much more in common than not. That students from every part of the world have similar hopes and worries as they approach their college years, and that those who are supporting them through the admission process want the very best for them. We hope you’ll consider the Princeton admission team among those who are happy to support you so please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!

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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!