Academics
As a member of the grand old Ivy League, Princeton University has long maintained a “sterling reputation” for quality academics; however, students say Princeton’s “unique focus on the undergraduate experience” is what makes their school stand out among institutions. It attracts “really experienced and big-name professors, who actually want to teach undergraduates.” Introductory lecture classes can be rather large, but “once you take upper-level courses, you’ll have a lot of chances to work closely with professors and study what you are most interested in.” A current undergrad enthuses, “The discussions I have in seminar are the reason I get out of bed in the morning; after a great class, I feel incredibly invigorated.” Though all Princeton professors are “leading scholars in their field,” students admit that some classes can be “dry.” Fortunately, “the overwhelming majority of professors are wonderful, captivating lecturers” who are “dedicated to their students.” While you may be taking a class from a Nobel laureate, “the humility and accessibility of world-famous researchers and public figures is always remarkable.” At Princeton, “there are so many chances to meet writers, performers, and professionals you admire.” A student details, “The two years I’ve been here, I’ve been in discussions with Frank Gehry, David Sedaris, Peter Hessler, John McPhee, Jeff Koons, Chang-rae Lee, Joyce Carol Oates, W.S. Merwin, and on and on.” No matter what you study, Princeton is an “intellectually challenging place,” and the student experience is “intense in almost every way.” Hard work pays off, though “the academic caliber of the school is unparalleled,” and a Princeton education is “magnificently rewarding.”
