Princeton University | Quick Review of Best University in USA – appkamods

Overview

Princeton University is a private institution founded in 1746. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,604 (fall 2022), its setting is a rural area, and the size of the campus is 690 acres. It uses a semester academic calendar. Princeton University’s ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is No. 1 among national universities. His tuition and fees are $59,710.

Princeton, one of the oldest colleges in the United States, is located in the quiet town of Princeton, New Jersey. Among the ivy-covered historical schools, Princeton offers many programs, events and organizations. The Princeton Tigers, members of the Ivy League, are known for consistently strong men’s and women’s lacrosse teams.

Freshmen and sophomores live in one of seven college houses that offer community living and dining services, but have access to one of over ten dining halls for juniors and seniors. The cafeteria serves as a social and dining organization for the students who join them. Princeton’s unofficial motto, “Princeton in Service to the Nation and Service to Man,” reflects the university’s commitment to community service.

Princeton includes top graduate programs through the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. A unique aspect of Princeton’s academic program is that undergraduates are required to write a senior thesis or, for students in certain engineering departments,

to do independent work. Notable alumni include US President Woodrow Wilson, model/actress Brooke Shields, and first lady Michelle Obama. According to Princeton legend, if a student leaves school through the FitzRandolph Gate before graduation, he may be cursed to never graduate.

Outstanding academics, social life, athletics and extracurriculars — I wouldn’t trade my time there for anything. But the reality is — and this is coming from an active alum and supporter — Princeton, Cornell, Harvard, Penn, Columbia and Yale are all pretty interchangeable when it comes to the ultimate goal: Preparing you for success after college. All do an outstanding job.

The same can be said for Dartmouth, Brown, Stanford, Chicago, and to a lesser extent, Duke, Northwestern, Pepperdine, Rice and a few others. The difference with those schools is that you won’t get the “Wow” factor — the cultural reaction of respect and “automatic success” that Yale, Princeton et al produce. It’s a holdover from the Ivy League elitist mentality perpetuated by, well, the nation’s so-called “elite” families. It’s largely unwarranted but it is still a reality. That’s just one factor, though — don’t choose Princeton or Yale or Harvard solely based on the cultural reputation. That would be a mistake.

It is, however, still something to consider. But if you are intent on going to one of the Ivies or other elite schools I mentioned, then it comes down to a simply matter of geography and which one “feels” the best. Don’t dismiss that, by the way. The feeling you get about a school on your visit should be a factor in you decision. If you feel it is “the one” — then it probably is.

The only other factor — and one that applies only if you have an obscure or unusual major — is, obviously, how well the school is equipped to give you the education and resources needed to best pursue your chosen area of study. But if you plan on majoring in English, history, pre-law, philosophy or any other common major, then, again, the schools are pretty interchangeable. Finally, let me add that you should absolutely include the thoughts and opinions of your parents in your decision BUT in the end, the final decision should be yours — and yours alone

Princeton appears to screen top students – with exceptions I’ve noticed in the work world. Key criteria for admittance is passion and enthusiasm for the school; clearly a stress on maintaining high morale. My sister was a national merit scholar, trilingual and vp of her student body, but weeded out in the application process for lack of over the top enthusiasm. I also met a transfer out to Harvard who could not stand the intrusive rah rah culture. Embarrassed?! …seems to have distanced itself from its Presbyterian heritage.

I am a parent of a Princeton grad. The school was everything I hoped for. My daughter loved the experience. The school’s focus was on the undergraduate. She regularly experienced small class with world class professors. The school was in a very safe environment and very easy on the eyes.

After graduation my daughter quickly realized the value of a Princeton degree. At a very young age, she is now a Director in one of America’s largest corporations. She cherishes her time at Princeton. It is no wonder that Princeton’s alums have the highest giving rate in the nation. They all share the same wonder (and loyalty).

Princeton provides a great college experience coupled with academic rigor that challenges well rounded students. My daughter went from making all A’s in high school with limited studying to havinh to study daily as the academic bar is constantly raised. The faculty support system is outstanding and sincerely focused on challenging the students to be their best selves for the world. My other daughter, her twin sister, is at Harvard, so I have learned a lot about the “Ivy’s.”