My four years at Princeton are flying by, and there are so many classes I would love to take if I had more time. If I listed them all, it would probably be the length of a senior thesis, so here’s a selection of my top 7:

1. Making an Exoneree (Department: School of Public and International Affairs)

   Making an Exoneree is one of the most unique courses I have ever come across. The course was started by a professor at Georgetown University who helped to exonerate a childhood friend who spent almost 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. An intensive, hands-on course, students have contributed to freeing three wrongfully convicted individuals since its inception at Princeton in 2018. Students describe the course as "life-changing... If you want a real look into the criminal legal system and care deeply about justice, then this course is something you absolutely should take during your time at Princeton."

   

2. International Organizations (Department: Politics)

   Taught by Professor Vreeland, an expert in international political economy, International Organizations has quickly become one of the most popular courses at Princeton, with enrollment exceeding the 400-person cap every semester it is offered. The course examines the origins, effectiveness, and future of institutions from the UN and WHO to the European Union and African Development Bank. I had to see what the buzz was about and sat in on a lecture during shopping period last spring, and I would have given an arm and a leg to take the class. Professor Vreeland was an extremely engaging lecturer, making memorable references to popular songs and movies, and keeping students on their toes by asking for participation using a random name selector. He also cares deeply about students inside and outside of the classroom and regularly publicizes and attends students’ performances. This course review says it all: "Professor Vreeland teaches you how to read, how to think, and how to learn at a fundamental level. He's the quintessential educator: a professor who wants his students to learn for the sake of learning and knows exactly how to motivate them and work with them. You should not leave Princeton without taking this course." What a shame I’ll have to do so!

   

3. Poverty, by America (Departments: Sociology and African American Studies): 

   I still remember reading Evicted on a sunny afternoon during a summer in junior high and the impression it left on me of the challenges of facing housing insecurity. I was impressed to discover that the author, Matthew Desmond, had spent a year living among the eight families featured in order to write the book. When a friend told me that she worked with Professor Desmond in the Eviction Lab at Princeton and was taking a class taught by him, I knew it would be among the top on my wishlist.

4. The Great Russian Novel and Beyond (Department: Slavic Languages and Literatures)

   I love to read (send me an email if you have any book recommendations!). Last fall, I was looking for a literature course to fulfill my remaining literature and the arts distribution requirement and a good friend of mine (who was actually my Community Action orientation leader) recommended this introduction to Russian literature. I enrolled in the course and discovered that it was a hidden gem tucked away among the many interesting literature classes available at Princeton. Professor Chances clearly loves the books, and I was eager to learn about famous and lesser known works of Russian literature in a small class setting. The weekly precept (small group discussion) was led by Professor Chances and only had four students! Unfortunately, I had never read any of the books before so I was having trouble keeping up with the reading. I made the difficult decision to drop the course at the end of the second week, known as add/drop or shopping period. I was able to borrow the books for the semester through the University library, so I hope to finish Fathers and Children and read Anna Karenina once classes end.

5. Beginner’s American Sign Language (Department: Linguistics)

   Princeton began offering for-credit ASL courses in 2018 which could be used to fulfill the foreign language requirement starting in 2021. I would love to learn a language which uses a completely different part of my brain, gain a better understanding of deaf culture, and think about how we can increase accessibility for individuals who are hard of hearing. Former blogger Naomi wrote a wonderful post about learning ASL three years ago which makes me want to at least shop ASL101 in the fall.

6. Princeton University Steel Band (Department: Music)

   Steel Band is another popular course in which students learn how to play the steelpan, an instrument originating from Trinidad and Tobago with a beautifully resonant sound. The course is P/D/F only, which means students receive a “pass”, “D”, or “fail” for the course, removing the stress of receiving a good grade (read more in Jocelyne’s blog post about P/D/F classes). Almost every review reads, “Take this course!” and one student commented that they’ll be talking about it for many years after Princeton. Although I won’t be able to fit it into my schedule, I plan on attending the class performance at the end of April which will also feature the student steelpan ensemble TigerChunes, led by one of my friends!

   

   

7. Practical Ethics (Departments: Center for Human Values and Philosophy)

   Last but not least, I wish I could have taken Practical Ethics, which discusses topics ranging from abortion to the ethics of what we eat, and actually made my Outdoor Action co-leader become vegetarian. Taught by Professor Peter Singer, author of a number of fascinating books including Animal Liberation and The Life You Can Save, students praised the application of different ethical theories to real-world issues and Professor Singer as an “excellent lecturer, speaker, and arguer.” Unfortunately, the course is no longer offered following Professor Singer’s retirement in 2023, but I hope he will return to give an occasional lecture!

   Honorable mentions include: 

8. Analog Photography, or any course in the Visual Arts department
9. The Glass Class, a freshman seminar on the science and art of glass which travels to Venice over the break!

Clearly, I could go on. Princeton offers a wide array of unique courses which stretch students in different ways, whether by learning a new language on campus or abroad, engaging with community members and organizations, or simply discussing topics and authors you had never heard of before. As my time at Princeton comes to a close next semester, I am grateful to have had access to scholars, professors, and students who continue to stimulate my intellectual curiosity and teach me something new every day.

“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!

To put it plainly, any type of midterm week can get hectic. I have experienced two midterm weeks at Princeton so far, and these two specific weeks have taught me some valuable lessons that apply to not just academics but life in general. 

Lesson #1: Time management is key. At Princeton, midterm week differs from finals week in that classes are still operating as usual. When finals week rolls around, classes are already done and over, and you have an entire week dedicated to preparing for your final assessments, which is called “Reading Period.” However, classes are in full-swing during midterm week, so you have to balance your regular day-to-day classwork with midterm preparation.​​ This balance can undoubtedly get tricky at times. One helpful hack I have learned, though, is to start midterm preparation early AND finish classwork early. Doing so not only gives you a head start on midterm studying but also provides more room in your schedule for you to focus directly on your midterms. Believe me, not having classwork looming over you is always a plus, especially during midterm week! So, starting early and finishing assignments early is very important!

Lesson #2: Surround yourself with supportive people, and be one of those supportive people. If your midterms are ever making you stressed, the good news is that everyone else around you is likely feeling the same way. Reach out to your friends if you feel overwhelmed, and likewise, encourage your friends. I have found that study sessions with friends are great refreshers, as surrounding yourself with friends who are also doing work is not just motivating but also gives way to some fun conversations and laughs! Midterm week can feel crazy, but surrounding yourself with friends and being a friend can always help keep you grounded and uplifted. 

Lesson #3: Take breaks, and know that everything is going to be okay. For me, I cannot do good work when I am tired. If I feel sleepy or just simply unmotivated, I know there is no point in me trying to complete something complicated because I will likely lose focus and have a harder time understanding whatever it is. Thus, I love taking a rejuvenating break! Whether I am taking a nap, going for a walk/jog around campus, or chatting with friends, I always enjoy a break that helps me “refuel” and stay motivated. Additionally, I have learned to not obsess over midterms or exams. Yes, it is important to prepare and to do your best, but at the end of the day, do not sacrifice your health or well-being for a good grade on an exam — you are a person before you are a student. It is much easier said than done, but as long as you put in your best work, that is all you can do. Just know that you are still amazing regardless of what a grade on an exam says. 

Although it can seem frantic, midterm week is a great way for you to see and to show off what you have learned so far in your classes. They are meant to be “check-ups” on how well you are understanding your class's content and growing as a learner. They are not meant to stress you out, but even if they do, always remember to manage your time well, surround yourself with good people, and rest assured that your best is enough. 

Princeton’s architecture is extraordinary. After moving in and getting settled here, I had a hard time fully grasping that I was going to be surrounded by breathtaking collegiate gothic architecture 24/7, especially as a member of Rockefeller College, or Rocky. I had to get used to walking under the arches by Holder Hall anytime I went to the dining hall, giving a shout-out to Blair Arch as I made my way to my Writing Seminar, and greeting Benjamin Franklin and Joseph Henry when entering Frist Campus Center. These are some of the most iconic and picturesque parts of campus, and now they are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from me — and I am extremely grateful to get to see them all the time!

However, one architectural feature that really took some getting used to was having stained-glass windows in my dorm room. Before coming to Princeton, if I ever heard someone say, “Stained-glass windows,” a college dorm room was never the first thing that came to mind. Nonetheless, for the amount of surprise I felt toward having such gorgeous windows in my new little home, there was just as much thrill.

Every now and then, in the early morning and late afternoon, right when there is just enough sunlight to seep through the small glass panels, I find myself just sitting and admiring the windows. Blending with colors of other things behind them, like clouds and nearby buildings, the panels transform into an array of hues, with some of the aquamarine squares projecting shades of yellow and green and the blue circle in the middle reflecting an ombré of violets and pinks. Anytime I see the windows in this state of beautiful transition, I feel like I have to pause and remind myself I am in a college dorm room.

Because I admire these windows so much, for a project in my drawing class this past semester, I decided to draw one. Getting the lines and proportions correct was definitely tough, but the part I enjoyed the most was filling in all the panels with their complex aspects. As I made each mark and sketch, I became more aware of how truly detailed the windows are, as beams of sunlight and outside objects enable them to present a unique variation of colors. I hope my drawing was able to do the windows some justice! 

All this talk about windows is to encourage you to never overlook the little things in life — and to show you how BEAUTIFUL Princeton is ;). The “out-of-the-ordinary” are oftentimes sources of genuine beauty, like holding the door open for a stranger, reaching out to a friend you have not spoken to in a while, or appreciating a stained-glass window in a college dorm room. Never take for granted the power of random demonstrations of beauty and goodness — they are more powerful than we know! 

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. 

As a South Carolinian, I can proudly say I do not have too much experience with the snow. On one or two rare occasions growing up, I was able to make an actual snowman, or one that was as tall as me. Other than that, though, I could count on two hands the number of times I had seen snow before arriving at Princeton. 

When I officially decided to come to Princeton, one of the many reasons backing up my decision was the chance of me regularly seeing snow… real snow. Coming from the South, I had always pictured the Northeast getting inches and inches of snow every single winter, with snowflakes falling around every corner and the aesthetics of all the classic Christmas movies. So, of course, I was beyond excited for the opportunity to experience some amazing snowfalls upon enrolling. 

Before returning from winter break, I heard news that Princeton had just gotten a huge snowfall, admiring pictures of campus’s winter wonderland. Blair Arch was adorned with crystals of snow, and there was a shimmering frosty blanket covering Cannon Green. As I made my way back to “Old Nassau” a week later, I was just hoping there would be some inches of snow left for me to see!

Well, I can assure you I was not disappointed. Right when I set foot back on campus, I was immediately taken away by the beauty of the snow paired with the beauty of Princeton — and was slapped in the face by a blast of cold air! Even though it was around nine o’clock at night and I had a duffel bag, suitcase, and backpack I was lugging around, I just had to walk around campus and embrace all its wintry feelings, having seldom seen anything like this at home. 

With all my belongings with me, I walked over to McCosh Courtyard, East Pyne, and of course, Nassau Hall. Everything was so serene, and as ironic and corny as it sounds, though my hands were freezing from taking so many pictures, I felt so warm. 

As I stood in front of Nassau Hall, with its lights and ivy leaves and the ocean of snow surrounding it, I was simply overwhelmed with gratitude. Reflecting on my journey up to that moment, all I could do was give thanks to the Lord for allowing me to come to this beautiful school. 

And the best part is that even when all the snow melts away, Princeton will still be beautiful, not just because of its naturally stunning architecture, but because of its people. The people I have met here truly are and will always be the most beautiful aspects of this school to me. In fact, as I gathered my belongings and started making my way to my dorm from Nassau Hall, I saw one of my closest friends heading toward Nassau Street. Having not seen each other in over a month, we gave each other a big hug. A friendship like that will always be more beautiful to me than any snowy landscape — but the snow is always a nice sight to see!

Needless to say, I am very grateful for my first snowfall at Princeton and all the different forms of beauty this school radiates, and I know there is snow much more to come!

I’m almost halfway through my Princeton journey, and that reality has forced me to take a lot of time to reflect. As enchanting, fun, and maturing as college can be, it can be difficult. Living in a new city, away from your family and hometown friends for 9+ months of the year, balancing academics with social life, extracurriculars, and rest, your time at college is often quite dizzying. However, I’ve found that the thing that has grounded me the most over the last couple of years is the warm and supportive friendships I’ve built. 

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When I first arrived at Princeton, making genuine friends seemed unfathomable. Everyone seemed to be in their own world, and amidst orientation events, the only way to socialize was to ask a revolving door of the same three questions. Where are you from? What are you studying? What residential college are you in? Surely, that could not be the most authentic way to make friends. Unbeknownst to me then, some of these conversations would lead to my strongest friendships on campus. The girl I met spontaneously at a first-year orientation brunch is now one of my closest friends. Despite our busy Princeton lives, we ensure we get weekly meals to catch up and share about one another’s weeks. We talk about classes, what’s stressing us out, what’s exciting us. We study together and have even made a tradition of taking First Day of Classes photos together so that we can see how far we’ve come at the end of each semester. I always look back with gratitude on the chaos of orientation because it brought some of my most fulfilling friendships.

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I’ve also made friends with those who are physically closest to me. Living in Mathey College, I often see the same faces present in the dining hall or at our Residential College events. Sitting with people I saw all the time but hardly ever spoke to has led to fulfilling friendships. These are the people I go to after a long day or long week. We can talk about anything, listen to music, make art, and be safe spaces for each other. This makes the section of campus that I live in feel a little more like home.

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I’ve also learned that some friends come much later than others. There’s a weird assumption people have when they first arrive on campus that if you don’t make good friends during your first couple weeks at college, you won’t make any at all. This assumption can be quite anxiety-inducing for introverts like me or people who just take longer to bond into friendships than others. I’m here to say that that assumption is not true. In fact, some of my closest friendships on campus did not come until my sophomore year. Although we came into each others’ lives later, my core friends and I have formed a tight-knit group for celebrating birthdays, attending each others’ extracurricular events, being shoulders to lean on, and even planning group vacations together. These friendships really affirm to me the importance of patience and the reality that, no matter how long it takes, you will find your people on this campus.

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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!

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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