Princeton University

Hi this is Ian Steller, and I know it's been quite a few weeks, but here is an update from when a representative came all the way from Princeton University to interest students from Righetti High School into applying.

Princeton University is located in Princeton, New Jersey, and it is a fantastic Ivy League school known for its dedication to research.  Ivy League schools are private institutions, and if you're shy to the hefty prices of attending these universities, do not stress, because Princeton has its own financial aid system built into the school.  If your parents make less than $60,000, and you make it into Princeton, they will pay for your full tuition, and the list goes on.

To apply to Princeton, use the Common App.  You must complete 2 SAT subject tests to apply as well.  Like all great schools, Princeton has many attractions, activities, and fun clubs that might catch your eye.  Although the school is ranked in the top 10 for the nation, tutoring clubs and other fun activities will always be there.  Also, there is a subway that can take you straight from the university to the heart of New York City in a couple hours; so the college life isn't completely filled with rigor.

As far as academics go, I personally asked the representative from Princeton what academics are like.  He stated that students from Princeton end up doing what they want to do in life around 93% of the time, which is an incredible ratio.  If you attend an undergraduate school as prestigious as Princeton, you are very likely to be accepted into the graduate school of your choice.  Note that you don't have to declare your major at Princeton until your Junior year, and you must complete a huge Senior project during your Senior year in order to complete your curriculum and obtain your undergraduate degree.

I'm still on the fence about applying to Princeton.  The representative that came to speak to us was from the University of Pennsylvania; so his word was slightly debased.  Princeton is a great university, though.  If you're looking into a career in research or just a great place that's far away from home to start your college education, look at Princeton.  There are a few informational documents in the career center that contain extensive information on Princeton, and the rest is up to you!