E XPE RI E NCE PRI NCE TON 2 0 1 9 - 2 0

Experience
Princeton
Office of Admission
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Experience
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Princeton University
Admission Office
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Princeton, NJ 08542-0430
[Link]
2 A One-of-a-Kind Place

4 Freedom to Explore

8 Stretch Your Mind

12 Amazing Faculty

14 Independent Work

16 We Support Your Success

18 An Arts-Infused Campus

20 Student Stories
20

24 Welcome Home
24

26 Eat Well
26

28 Vibrant Campus Life

28

30
30 Spiritual Connections

32
32 Play Like a Tiger

34
34 The World Is Your Classroom

38
38 Find Your Service Focus

42 Financial Aid
42

Office of Admission
[Link]

Read blogs by
Princeton undergraduates
[Link]/blogs
 A One-of-a-Kind Place
Princeton University is one of the More than ever, Princeton seeks to enroll the
most talented students from a broad spectrum
top universities in the world. of cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds.
We are a great teaching and research We invite you to explore more about what
university with a profound and distinctive makes Princeton special.
commitment to undergraduate education.
Chartered in 1746, Princeton is one of the
oldest colleges in the nation. Our campus WH Y I PI C K E D PR I NC E T ON
is known for its natural and architectural
beauty. At Princeton, I’ve grown into my values.
I’ve embedded myself in strong and
Princeton emphasizes learning, creativity,
supportive communities of caring, generous
innovation and collaboration with a program friends and peers, and I’ve learned how to
of liberal arts in the humanities, arts, social learn. I credit a host of incredible, curious
sciences, natural sciences and engineering. and dedicated professors for much of my
Students’ experiences inside and outside the intellectual growth, but I’m also beholden to
classroom simultaneously prepare them for my friends, peers and classmates for much
meaningful lives and careers, broaden their of that growth.
outlook, and help shape their character.
Peyton Lawrenz
Our focus on undergraduates is unique for Senior
a major research university. Princeton’s low
student-to-faculty ratio means students are Politics concentrator
able to develop close working relationships
with professors, who are leaders in their
Princeton is unmatched in its
fields. We expect every faculty member to
undergraduate focus — there are so many
teach, and we expect every student to do resources devoted to making us feel welcome
original, creative research. and giving us opportunities. Students love
intellectually stimulating conversation,
Our approximately 5,300 undergraduate
whether it’s in class or at Frist Campus
students are part of a vibrant campus
Center. Students also tend to be value-
community, and students stay connected to oriented. I’ve been surprised by how friendly
Princeton long after they have graduated. and open-minded just about everyone here is,
Students are encouraged to explore many and how intersectional and diverse all of the
academic and extracurricular opportunities social groups tend to be.
while taking advantage of the University’s
extraordinary facilities and resources. Mikal Walcott
Senior
We are a community of learning that is
enriched by the wide range of experiences School of Public and
and perspectives of our students, faculty and
International Affairs concentrator
staff. Classrooms are filled with students and
faculty from a variety of backgrounds, and
students benefit from the interdisciplinary
connections at the core of Princeton’s
curriculum.
2
3
 Freedom to Explore
At Princeton, you have the Any field you choose will teach you to think
critically, solve problems, express yourself
freedom to explore your clearly, broaden your understanding of the
intellectual interests and follow human experience and prepare you for
your passions. success in whatever path you take.

4
D E G R E E S AN D PRO G RAM S I came to Princeton because I
Princeton offers two bachelor degrees: a wanted a liberal arts education
Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) and a Bachelor of
that would enable me to pursue
Science in Engineering (B.S.E.). You can
choose from among 37 concentrations multiple interests rigorously and
(majors) and 55 interdepartmental certificate deeply. I concentrated in physics,
programs. In lieu of existing programs, you
but the courses that most shaped
may apply for an independent concentration.
Students are encouraged to take classes my intellectual life were in
across a spectrum of academic fields. constitutional law, political theory
You may take courses in the humanities,
and comparative literature.
engineering, natural sciences, social sciences
and creative arts. Christopher L. Eisgruber
Princeton University President
Class of 1983

Programs for engineering, architecture, The School of Architecture is a center of

and public and international affairs are teaching and research in architectural design,
consolidated into schools, though all students history and theory. The Princeton School
apply to Princeton and not to a particular of Public and International Affairs offers a
school. The School of Engineering and multidisciplinary concentration for students
Applied Science emphasizes fundamentals of who are passionate about public policy, with an
engineering science and design while integrating emphasis on studying varied perspectives and
its teaching and research within the liberal arts finding real-world solutions to public challenges.
and other departments across campus.

5
 Students select an academic concentration after Computer Science
their first year for B.S.E. candidates and after East Asian Studies
sophomore year for A.B. candidates. Students
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
also may earn certificates in other areas of
Economics
interest. For example, a molecular biology
concentrator may earn a certificate in visual English
arts, a computer science concentrator may earn French and Italian
a certificate in global health and health policy, Geosciences
or an African American studies concentrator German
may earn a certificate in sustainable energy.
History
More information on degrees and requirements
may be found at [Link]/academics. Mathematics
Molecular Biology

A . B . DEG RE E Music
Near Eastern Studies
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree
Neuroscience
may major in any one of the following
academic departments in the humanities, the Philosophy
natural sciences or the social sciences: Physics
Politics
African American Studies
Psychology
Anthropology
Religion
Architecture
School of Public and International
Art and Archaeology
Affairs
Astrophysical Sciences
Slavic Languages and Literatures
Chemistry
Sociology
Classics
Spanish and Portuguese
Comparative Literature

6
B . S . E . DEG RE E Environmental Studies
Programs of study in the School of Ethnographic Studies
Engineering and Applied Science lead to the European Cultural Studies
degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
Finance
Students may concentrate in one of the
following academic departments: Gender and Sexuality Studies
Geological Engineering
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Global Health and Health Policy
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Computer Science Hellenic Studies

Electrical Engineering History and the Practice of Diplomacy

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Humanistic Studies
Operations Research and Financial Jazz Studies
Engineering Journalism
Judaic Studies
C E RT I F I CAT E PRO G RAM S Language and Culture
Students also may choose from among 55 Latin American Studies
certificates of proficiency, which offer a
Latino Studies
chance to pursue focused study in an area
of interest or in subjects that supplement the Linguistics
primary work of a student’s concentration. Materials Science and Engineering
Students may earn more than one certificate. Medieval Studies
African American Studies Music Performance
African Studies Music Theater
American Studies Near Eastern Studies
Applications of Computing Neuroscience
Applied and Computational Mathematics Planets and Life
Archaeology Quantitative and Computational Biology
Architecture and Engineering Robotics and Intelligent Systems
Asian American Studies Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
Biophysics South Asian Studies
Cognitive Science Statistics and Machine Learning
Contemporary European Politics and Society Sustainable Energy
Creative Writing Teacher Preparation
Dance Technology and Society
East Asian Studies Theater
Engineering and Management Systems Translation and Intercultural Communication
Engineering Biology Urban Studies
Engineering Physics Values and Public Life
Entrepreneurship Visual Arts

7
 Stretch Your Mind
Classes at Princeton will stretch academic research and writing with intensive
courses where students investigate a topic of
your mind and spark your intellectual inquiry.
imagination.
Precepts, which date to 1905, are a central
Our academic program will enable you to feature of the undergraduate academic
develop your interests and discover new experience. In these weekly meetings outside
passions. The undergraduate curriculum of lectures, instructors promote stimulating
encourages exploration across the disciplines, discussion and debate among small groups
while providing a core academic experience for of students. Laboratory courses provide an
all students. essential understanding of how concepts are
tested and promote hands-on learning in the
Freshman seminars give first-year students
sciences, engineering, architecture and more.
the opportunity to work closely with a
professor and a small group of students on At the center of academic integrity at Princeton
a topic of special interest, such as “Art and is the Honor Code, which was started by
Science of Motorcycle Design,” “The Evolution students in 1893. Students take all written
of Human Language,” or “Into the Woods! exams without a faculty proctor. They assume
What Disney Didn’t Tell You About Fairy Tales.” full responsibility for honesty and conclude
Writing seminars prepare first-years for each exam with a written pledge that they have
abided by the Honor Code.

C R E AT I VE T H I N K I NG
I N E NG I N E E R I NG The creative and the technical are bridged
in the class “A Social and Multidimensional
Exploration of Structures.”

The course approaches structural

engineering as a holistic discipline.
Students study the constructability aspects
of design, the aesthetic and technical
aspects, and the social and environmental
context of engineering projects. Students
also learn how to communicate their ideas
to the general public.

The class centers around a different

theme each time it’s offered. In the edition,
“Creativity in Cuban Thin-Shell Structures,”
students and professors flew to Havana
during fall break to examine the thin,
wave-like constructions and meet with
Cuban architects who designed them.
Students also built their own structural
models based on what they observed, and
created an exhibit and website featuring
their work.

8
C L AS S E S T H AT D I G U P H I S T ORY

On Jan. 3, 1777, Colonial and British forces Students look for artifacts at Princeton
fought a critical battle of the American Battlefield State Park, using metal detectors,
Revolutionary War around the Princeton radar and excavation tools. They also study
campus. More than 240 years later, Princeton materials ranging from the musical “Hamilton”
students conduct hands-on fieldwork to explore to a famous George Washington portrait from
how the battle may have unfolded. the Princeton University Art Museum.

The course “Battle Lab: The Battle of Princeton” “Having not taken a history class in quite a long
is cross-listed in humanistic studies, art and time, I thought it would be good to just learn
archaeology, and American studies. It’s also more about the American Revolution, the start
part of the Program for Community-Engaged of this nation,” said sophomore Ethan Thai,
Scholarship, which connects learning on an electrical engineering concentrator. “But
campus with the greater Princeton community. alongside of that, I do enjoy the mechanical side
of things too and using technology. It’s a great
intersection of everything.”

I encourage students to focus not just on their grades or

plans for the future, but on the pleasures of thinking — of
experiencing new things and thinking about how you grow
as a person through what you study in the classroom.
Jill Dolan
Dean of the College

9
 E X PLOR I NG AN E T H O S OF S U S TAI NAB I L I T Y

The class “Investigating an Ethos of Field trips and hands-on activities include
Sustainability at Princeton” examines global touring the Cogeneration Plant that powers
environmental issues through a local lens. It is University buildings, eating plant-based
offered through the Princeton Environmental burgers made by Campus Dining, sampling
Institute and taught by the University’s herbs from a vertical farming laboratory and
director of sustainability. walking in the rain to observe how campus
gardens help filter runoff.
Students use the University as their model and
the campus as their lab to study recycling, food “Having a college campus be the example of
waste, water consumption, energy conservation something innovative and efficient shows how
and transportation management. The goal big things in the world, big solutions, can have
is to understand the behavioral, economic, small roots,” junior Satchel Joseph said.
operational and other considerations that go
into sustainable decision-making.

10
S C I E NC E I N T H E C L AS S RO OM AN D I N T H E L AB

At many colleges, students interested in scientific disciplines,” said Joshua Shaevitz,

science enroll in multiple introductory courses, a professor of physics and the Lewis-Sigler
learning about genetics, chemistry and physics Institute for Integrative Genomics. “We hope to
as separate and largely unrelated disciplines. train a new generation of young scientists who
At Princeton, students have another option: naturally bridge these topics, feeling equally
the Integrated Science Curriculum (ISC). at home deriving equations, working with
living cells at the bench and programming
ISC started 15 years ago when faculty
sophisticated computer analysis algorithms.”
created a cohesive introduction to the natural
sciences. Four courses are co-taught by Students spend time in the classroom and the lab.
multiple professors — two classes in the fall
“The labs have really been comprehensive,”
and two in the spring.
said first-year student Bianca Swidler. “I
“A number of us believe that some of the most feel like there’s been a great coverage of
exciting science of the future will take place chemistry, physics, biology — it’s really hard to
at the boundaries between the traditional pick a favorite, like picking a favorite kid.”

11
 Amazing Faculty
Princeton professors are leaders Princeton professors have a passion for
teaching, and all faculty are expected to teach
in their fields, as well as teachers and do research. Nearly 75% of our classes
and mentors on campus. have fewer than 20 students, which means our
faculty of world-class scholars are engaged
Our professors inspire in the classroom,
with and accessible to undergraduates.
innovate in the laboratory and enrich the
Professors care about the well-being of their
world’s understanding of topics spanning
students, and students often form meaningful
neuroscience and global health policy to
relationships with their professors. You will get
sustainable energy and race in America. Many
the chance to work closely with faculty inside
of Princeton’s professors are household names.
and outside the classroom.
Eleven current faculty members are Nobel
laureates, and others are MacArthur Fellows,
Pulitzer Prize recipients and members of the
National Academy of Sciences.

The Department of Molecular

Biology is the core of the life
sciences at Princeton. Our
faculty are fully engaged in
teaching and cutting-edge
research on topics ranging from
molecules to genomes. All of
our professors, including many
with joint appointments in
other departments, participate
in the undergraduate program.
The uncommon level of
interdisciplinary interactions
provides an exceptional
environment for learning and
research.
Bonnie Bassler
Squibb Professor in Molecular Biology
Chair, Department of Molecular Biology

12
 Manjul Bhargava’s research on elliptic curves Jennifer Rexford, the Gordon Y.S. Wu Professor
is at the heart of one of the greatest unsolved in Engineering and chair of the Department of
mathematics puzzles of our time. Bhargava is Computer Science, says there is no better place
the Brandon Fradd, Class of 1983, Professor for interdisciplinary study than Princeton.
of Mathematics. He won the 2014 Fields Faculty teach and conduct research in traditional
Medal, considered the highest honor in areas of computer science, but also in fields such
mathematics, and is known among students as biology, psychology, economics, mathematics
for his popular freshman seminar “The and the arts. Computer science is expanding
Mathematics of Magic Tricks and Games.” its faculty by more than 30% as more students
pursue interests in the field. It has become the
most popular concentration for undergraduates.
The Princeton School of Public
and International Affairs faculty
reflect the complexity of today’s The Ferris and McGraw Professors in
Journalism are one example of how leading
policy issues; the faculty currently professionals in media, arts, government,
includes scientists, engineers, technology and other fields bring their real-
psychologists and legal scholars — world experiences to Princeton’s classrooms.
The visiting professors have included former
in addition to economists, historians, New York Times restaurant critic Frank Bruni,
political scientists and sociologists. NPR international correspondent Deborah
Amos, and essayist and novelist Pico Iyer.

Cecilia Rouse
Dean of the Princeton School of Public
and International Affairs
13
 Independent Work
The senior thesis is a capstone
experience for Princeton
students’ academic journeys.
Students choose thesis topics based on their
passions. In addition to a thesis for their
concentration, some students also complete a
thesis for their certificate programs.

I SABE L CLE F F

o Concentration: Mechanical and aerospace

engineering o Thesis: Designing, building and

testing an aerospike rocket nozzle o Adviser:
Marcus Hultmark, associate professor of
mechanical and aerospace engineering
o Rocket science: I built small model rockets
with bell and aerospike nozzles. I’m testing UG ON NA NWABUE Z E
them in a supersonic wind tunnel to compare
the two nozzle types. I hope my data will o Concentration: English o Certificates:
complement existing theory to support African studies, African American studies
building an aerospike nozzle on a real rocket. and theater o Advisers: Elena Araoz, lecturer
o Awesome facilities: I did my experiments at in theater and the Lewis Center for the Arts,
the Gas Dynamics Lab at Princeton’s Forrestal and Robert Sandberg, lecturer in English,
Campus. There are a bunch of awesome theater and the Lewis Center for the Arts
wind tunnels in the lab, which produce
o Two theses: I produced and was a lead
airflow at three times the speed of sound.
actor in the play “Eclipsed,” by Danai Gurira,
o Career: I’ve been interested in space since I
about five Liberian women during the
was a kid. I interned at Virgin Orbit, and the
Second Liberian Civil War. And I wrote
skills I learned there were indispensable to
an original play set in New Orleans about
completing my thesis. After Princeton, I will
the experiences of three black women in
be at Virgin Orbit full time.
the 1800s. o Close to home: I am a first-
generation Nigerian American and I was
always haunted by the stories my father
told me about being a child soldier in the
Nigerian Civil War. o Travels: To inform my
performance, I traveled to Africa to study
West African theater and visit a Liberian
refugee camp. I also spent a summer in New
Orleans to research my own play, which
explores the relationship between black
women and the world while examining the
role of race, gender and abuse.

14
N ICHOLAS WU

o Concentration: Princeton School of

Public and International Affairs

Certificates: American studies and
East Asian studies Thesis: “Finding
Safe Passage: Analyzing Juvenile Asylum
Determinations in the U.S. and E.U.”
Adviser: Marta Tienda, Maurice P.
During Professor in Demographic Studies,
professor of sociology and public affairs

Internship: The School of Public and

International Affairs sponsored my
internship at Safe Passage Project, which
provides free legal services to immigrant
children facing deportation. I observed
how cases of child migrants seeking
asylum are processed. Far too many kids
are rejected by immigration courts and
JACK F I N LAY
sent back to unsafe situations in their
home countries. Data-driven research:
Concentration: Molecular biology
I analyzed asylum determination rates
Certificate: Neuroscience Thesis:
in U.S. cities and in Citizenship and
Examining the molecular basis of
Immigration Services asylum districts. I
diabetic kidney disease Adviser: Jean
reviewed similar data in European Union
Schwarzbauer, Eugene Higgins Professor of
countries. Mentor: Professor Tienda was
Molecular Biology
immensely helpful. As a leading scholar in
the field, she knew the research landscape Research: I considered how elevated
and guided me through obstacles glucose conditions stimulate excess
during the process. She also gave lots of deposition of extracellular matrix by kidney
feedback on the drafts of my chapters cells. Early start: Molecular biology’s
and checked in on my progress. summer research program allowed me to
spend the summer in the lab before my
senior year, getting a jump-start on my
thesis. Future: Research is my passion
and an outlet for my creativity and
exploration. I will be a Churchill Scholar at
the University of Cambridge, conducting
oncology research as a graduate student
in medical science. I then plan to complete
an M.D.-Ph.D. dual degree at the Duke
University School of Medicine. One
day, I hope to be a physician-scientist,
contributing to the prevention and cure
of diseases.

15
 We Support Your Success
We want you to find success As the University continues
and enjoyment in your life at to expand access to students
Princeton. from a range of backgrounds,
it is important that we provide
The University strives to provide students
with academic, personal and health resources
the resources so all students can
to succeed on campus. Princeton is a caring thrive here — so that they can
community, and there are many people and feel academically and socially at
offices available to help students flourish. home on our campus.

OF F I C E OF T H E
Khristina Gonzalez
D E AN OF T H E C OL L E G E Associate dean of the college

The Office of the Dean of the College is Director of programs for access and inclusion
responsible for all aspects of the undergraduate
curriculum. The office’s message to students is
simple: Study what you love, take advantage McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning:
of the opportunities around you and find help At the McGraw Center, students can
when you need it. By providing advice and learn advanced strategies to master large
support through the residential colleges and reading loads, take effective notes, study
a wide range of programs (some of which more efficiently, prepare for exams and
are listed here), the office promotes student use digital media in Princeton classes. The
learning, research and service. Students have free workshops, learning consultations and
many possibilities for study, both on campus and technology training provide individualized
abroad. It is the role of the Office of the Dean skills and strategies. Students can receive
of the College to ensure that every student can support for specific courses through group
access the resources they need to embrace these and individual tutoring.
possibilities to the fullest.
Writing Center fellows are trained to consult
Residential Colleges: Residential colleges are on assignments in any discipline and can help
where first-years and sophomores live. Each at any stage of the writing process. Students
residential college has a faculty head, dean, can schedule free, one-on-one conferences
director of studies and director of student with experienced writers. Conferences
life. Academic advising for first-years and complement, but do not replace, students’
sophomores is centered at the colleges. Deans relationships with their professors and
and directors of studies help students shape advisers.
their academic plans, while directors of
student life help students navigate campus Scholars Institute Fellows Program (SIFP):
and can provide guidance on personal matters. SIFP serves as a supportive pipeline to
Undergraduate peer advisers offer advice on introduce students to new and ever-expanding
the academic experience from the perspective resources on campus. Low-income and
of a fellow student, while residential college first-generation college students mentor and
advisers are juniors and seniors who serve as support each other, forming a community
mentors to first-years and sophomores. across class years.

16
 C E N T E R FOR CAR E E R D I SABI L I T Y S E RVI C E S
D E VE LOPM E N T The Office of Disability Services offers a range
As early as their first days on campus, the of services to provide students with disabilities
Center for Career Development helps students equal access to the educational opportunities
explore and prepare for careers that align and programs at Princeton. Staff are available
with their skills, strengths, interests and to meet with prospective or incoming students
values. One-on-one advising and programs who are visiting the campus.
provide personalized support for students on
a variety of topics, including self-assessment, UN IVE RS I TY H E ALT H
exploration of career-related interests, building S E RVICE S ( UH S )
a professional network, pursuit of internships
and employment, and application to graduate UHS is the primary health care provider
school. Nearly all students participate in at least for students. The accredited facility offers
one internship, research or work experience a comprehensive range of medical and
while at Princeton. counseling services, as well as health education,
outreach and wellness programs. Approximately
83% of all undergraduates receive services
from UHS annually.

17
 An Arts-Infused Campus
We believe the arts are central PR I NCE TON ’ S N E W ART S C OM PLE X
to a liberal arts education no Princeton’s new 22-acre arts complex greatly
matter what you study. expands performance, rehearsal and teaching
spaces for the arts. The development includes
Learn documentary filmmaking in Kenya. a new home for the Lewis Center for the Arts’
Design the costumes for a campus production programs in dance, theater, music theater
of the musical “Spring Awakening.” Write a and the Princeton Atelier, as well as a new
chamber opera. Dance in a martial arts musical building associated with the Department of
fantasy. Spend the summer exploring the Music. Highlights of the facilities include:
amphitheaters where classic Greek tragedies
were first performed. Let your imagination soar, • The Wallace Dance Building and Theater,
explore and create. featuring the 3,600-square-foot Hearst
Dance Theater and the 3,600-square-foot
The Lewis Center for the Arts is the Wallace Theater. Each performance space
nexus of programs in creative writing, dance,
has professional state-of-the-art theatrical
music theater, the Princeton Atelier, theater
equipment.
and visual arts, while the Department of
Music centers on musicology, composition • The Effron Music Building that houses
and programs in jazz studies and music a 3,500-square-foot performance and
performance. Whether you take one class, earn rehearsal space with soaring ceilings,
a certificate or pursue a concentration in the acoustically advanced practice rooms and
arts, you will have the opportunity to learn teaching studios. The Princeton University
from core faculty and working professionals at Orchestra, Glee Club, Concert Jazz
the top of their fields. Without leaving campus, Ensemble and other groups use the space.
you can also hear world-class musicians in
• A 2,000-square-foot acting and
the Princeton University Concerts series and
performance studio designed for smaller,
attend professional theater and arts events at
more intimate performances.
McCarter Theatre Center, which also houses
the Berlind Theatre, a performance space • A six-story tower with studios, gathering
shared with Princeton students. spaces to inspire artistic collaboration,
an art gallery, seminar rooms and
Making art isn’t only about self- administrative offices.

expression; it’s a vital means of • A park-like setting with outdoor art

discovery, a way of diving headfirst installations by acclaimed artist Maya Lin,
extensive landscaped plazas, pathways
into the questions central to who and
and green spaces. A train station links
what we are, and what we mean to one Princeton to New York, Philadelphia and
another. Princeton students take that the world.
dive, and the world is enriched by what • A convenience store, café and restaurant.
it yields.
Tracy K. Smith
Roger S. Berlind ’52 Professor of the Humanities
and professor of creative writing
Chair, Lewis Center for the Arts
18
 If we can give our students a One of my goals is to serve every
chance to lose themselves by playing, student here. We want to create a sense
singing or composing music — if they that the University Art Museum is a
place for everyone — not just an art or
leave Princeton knowing how much
art history student, but an engineer or
music can enrich lives — then we will
a student in the life sciences.
have done a good thing indeed.
James Steward
Wendy Heller Nancy A. Nasher-David J. Haemisegger,
Scheide Professor of Music History Class of 1976, Director, Princeton
University Art Museum
Chair, Department of Music
The museum houses more than 100,000
Director, Program in Italian Studies works spanning ancient to contemporary art.

Firestone Library’s extensive holdings

of rare books and special collections
are a treasure house for students and
scholars in the arts and humanities.
The collection spans a Gutenberg Bible,
Shakespeare folios and the papers of
Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, Princeton’s
Robert F. Goheen Professor in the
Humanities, Emeritus. Morrison’s papers
include handwritten drafts of her first
novel, “The Bluest Eye,” as shown here.

19
 Student Stories
Every one of Princeton’s Princeton students come from across the United
States and around the world. International students
5,300 undergraduates has a make up 12% of undergraduates, and American
story. Your own story may minorities make up nearly 45% of undergraduates.
include everything from your Each student brings a unique background and
perspective, as well as varied interests. Students
excitement for the first week often say their favorite thing about Princeton is
of classes to the momentous the people they meet. They appreciate how other
students shape what they learn and help them grow
occasion of graduation. during their time on campus.

M E G AN BE R RY
I’ve found tight-knit communities on campus.
Senior The LGBT community here welcomes everyone
Massachusetts with open arms. I’m an LGBT peer educator and
I love talking with first-year students. Many have
the same apprehensions I did and it’s great to be
able to tell them, ‘Don’t worry, it works out!’
I’ve also found a home within the theater. There
are so many opportunities, whether through the
Lewis Center for the Arts or student groups. My
favorite class has been “Lighting Design” with
Jane Cox. She leads the Program in Theater
and is an award-winning lighting designer
on Broadway. I’ve had many amazing design
experiences, even working in the Berlind Theatre
with over 250 lights. From my experiences with
theater, I have learned so much about design
philosophy, collaboration and leadership.

DAN I E L JO S É NAVAR R E T E
Growing up in a rural town, I was surrounded
by farms, orchards and a strong family that Senior
supported me. However, my high school had California
limited resources. My first two years at college
were a mess of anxiety and doubt. I felt out of
place. Then, I sought help from campus resources:
counseling, professors’ office hours, tutoring.
I worked as a research assistant in infectious
disease ecology. I learned that people in the
academic community believed in me so I became
confident in my abilities. I realized that I was
exactly where I wanted to be. I am proud of
where I came from, as well as who I am now.

20
 DE CLAN FAR M E R
Sled hockey was the first adaptive sport
I ever played. It was the first time I could Junior
really be competitive in something. I started Florida
as a young kid and worked my way up to
the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. I played
in the Paralympic Games in 2014 and 2018,
and we won gold both times. My professors
and advisers really worked with me to
accommodate my practice schedule and
travel to the 2018 games in South Korea. The
hockey team also allows me to use Baker Rink
on campus to train on my own. I appreciate
all the help people at Princeton have given
me to achieve my dream of competing in the
Paralympics.

N I NA ARC OT
I joined the Rocketry Club my first year.
Junior
Mechanical and aerospace engineering classes
New Jersey
are often theoretical, so the club offers great
hands-on experience. Our club was chosen as
finalists in NASA’s design challenge for space
exploration at the Johnson Space Center in
Houston. I interned last summer at NASA
Langley, testing different materials in the lab
that NASA may use for rocket launches. The
internship allowed me to put into practice what
I learned in class. I also spent a semester at the
University of Cape Town. I’d never been to Africa
before and focused on studying indigenous music
from five different regions in Africa. Princeton’s
engineering school is very supportive of students
going abroad. Professors and deans will help you
find a way to fulfill your requirements and also
pursue international opportunities.

CH R I S TOPH E R WI LS ON
I arrived on campus after serving in the
Senior
Marine Corps. I’m so grateful for everything
Tennessee
Princeton has allowed me to experience.
My best advice to prospective students in
the military is to not sell yourself short and
simply go for it! Apply to the best colleges,
not just Princeton. Schools know that you
have experiences, ideas and beliefs that are
valuable. Many military members may not
think they have what it takes to get into
a school like Princeton, so they don’t even
attempt an application. You never know
where you will end up; I didn’t. Aim as high
as you can. It’s like that saying: Aim for the
moon — if you miss, you will still be amongst
the stars! 21
 SAMVI DA VE N KAT E S H

Senior I think international students often have

Bangalore, India unique perspectives on issues both inside
and outside of class, making for interesting
I am concentrating in molecular biology with
insights that might escape the notice of our
certificates in applications of computing
American peers. While there is no “standard”
and quantitative computational biology.
international experience (understandably,
While I am deeply interested in the natural
since we come from such a variety of
sciences, I knew I also wanted to study
backgrounds), the international community is
history, languages, philosophy, art and a range
still very tight-knit and very welcoming.
of other subjects, making liberal arts, and
Princeton, the best choice for me. As a proud Forbesian [resident of Forbes
College], I love our backyard that overlooks
I’m a science writer for the student
the golf course. On warm days, I take my
newspaper, treasurer of the vegetarian food
books out to the hammock in the backyard
cooperative 2D and I play badminton. I really
and (try to) study while staring out at the
enjoy tutoring multivariable calculus and
towers of the Graduate College.
linear algebra at the McGraw Center for
Teaching and Learning. I will miss Princeton very much, though I’m
excited to be a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford
My favorite role on campus is as a
University next year. I will pursue a master’s
residential college adviser in Forbes College,
of science, working on ovarian cancer
where I live with and advise students on
genomics research. Biology is the lens through
academics, extracurriculars and social
which I interpret the world and aim to serve
life at the University. I am a big believer
humanity. I believe research should find its
of peer mentorship, and I also was a
way out of the lab and onto the streets to
Davis International Center leader to host
meet its beneficiaries.
International Orientation.

22
JO S IAH G OUKE R

First-year at race issues in American society. I’m also

Yucca Valley, California considering certificates in American studies
and gender and sexuality studies.
I’m not sure I can truthfully say I’ve made
the entire adjustment to Princeton, but that’s I was admitted to Princeton as a QuestBridge
certainly not a bad thing. Each semester so scholar. QuestBridge is a nonprofit that guides
far has been unique and dynamic — new low-income students through the college
challenges present themselves nearly every admission process. QuestBridge was and
day. continues to be invaluable. Its College Prep
Scholars program was one of the reasons
My biggest adjustment, though, has been
I believed I could apply and get into a
getting used to the many freedoms I
prestigious university like Princeton.
have, especially in the realm of academic
exploration. I considered four majors my first Many of my friends here are also students who
year. It’s both intimidating and exhilarating to applied through QuestBridge, and I was able
be able to choose so freely what you want to to connect with them before stepping foot
study, which extracurriculars you want to do, on campus. Now, the Princeton QuestBridge
which dining hall you want to eat at. So many Scholars Network chapter holds events to
choices! bring together students with similar financial
backgrounds to hang out, eat snacks or just
After a lot of soul-searching and taking classes
take a break from studying. The QuestBridge
in different departments, I think I’ve settled
community on campus, at least for me, is
on majoring in African American studies. I’m
essential to my well-being.
excited about taking an interdisciplinary look

23
 Welcome Home
As a Princeton student, you The residential colleges promote close
ties and friendships and contribute to the
will consider our close-knit, individual learning and personal growth
residential campus your home. outside of the classroom that is an important
part of the Princeton experience. The
Undergraduates are guaranteed housing for
colleges are a center of activities and events
all four years and nearly all undergraduates
for students — from intramural sports,
choose to live on campus.
food-filled study breaks and book clubs to
All first-years and sophomores are required 5K running races, Broadway show outings,
to live within the residential college system. lectures and concerts.
The six colleges — Butler, First, Forbes,
At the end of sophomore year, students
Mathey, Rockefeller, and Whitman — offer
can decide whether to live in a residential
comfortable communities where students
college or in other campus housing for
live, eat, study and socialize. Each college
juniors and seniors. Regardless of where
has its own distinctive architecture, with a
they live on campus, juniors and seniors
cluster of dormitories, dining halls, common
have opportunities to eat at the residential
rooms, academic spaces, and arts and
colleges and participate in activities there.
entertainment resources.

24
T H E R E S I D E N T I AL C OL L E G E AC T I VI T Y B OAR D

Students can find something to do at the Film Forum at Rockefeller College

residential colleges any night of the week, A collaboration with the University Center
including: for Human Values, the film screenings and
discussions are centered on different topics
“Hamilton” Broadway trip from Mathey College
each semester.
Residential colleges often arrange bus trips
from campus to New York City. Mathey Open mic night at Butler College
residents were among students who All students are invited to share their
recently saw musicals such as “Hamilton” talents while enjoying pizza, sushi and more.
and “The Book of Mormon.”
Olympics at Whitman College
The Black Box at First College Whitman students enjoy a little friendly
A flexible space for theatrical performances; competition that includes dodgeball, tug of
it transforms into a dance club most Friday war and a pie-eating contest.
nights.

Language tables at Forbes College

An opportunity to practice your language
skills — ranging from Arabic to Thai — over
a meal in the dining hall.

25
 Eat Well
Dining at Princeton is about First-years and sophomores eat most of their
meals in the residential colleges. About two-
enjoying a variety of great- thirds of juniors and seniors choose to join an
tasting and nutritious foods eating club (where students gather for meals
in comfortable settings. and social activities), while other juniors and
seniors select different dining options. Other
Whether eating dinner at a residential college dining options include food cooperatives and
dining hall, meeting friends for lunch at an independent dining.
eating club or grabbing a quick bite at a
campus café, you have many dining options at
Princeton.

26
R E S I D E N T I AL C OL L E G E S KO S H E R AN D H AL AL D I N I NG
First-years and sophomores eat most of The Center for Jewish Life/Hillel (CJL)
their meals in the residential colleges. The offers kosher meals for the entire campus
residential college dining halls change their community. Students of all backgrounds
menus daily, offering culturally diverse enjoy meals at the CJL. Students also have
cuisine and options for different dietary the option to have a kosher meal from
needs with a focus on sustainable dining. the CJL delivered to their dining hall. All
Juniors and seniors also can eat at the residential college dining halls offer halal
residential college dining halls. options for students.

E AT I NG C LU B S I N D E PE N D E N T D I N I NG
Eating clubs serve as dining facilities and Some juniors and seniors choose to make
social centers for juniors and seniors who their own eating arrangements on or off
choose to join one of the 11 clubs, although campus. Many of these students live in
first-years and sophomores are often invited independent housing on campus, which
to meals or events. The clubs are operated includes four-person suites with individual
independently by student officers and kitchens or dormitories with common
alumni boards. Six of the clubs conduct kitchens.
an application process, while five invite
members simply to sign up. Almost all club
S T U D E N T FO OD C O OPE RAT I VE S
members live in campus housing. Some
juniors and seniors who join a club and live Princeton’s four food co-ops, including
in a residential college split their meal plans vegetarian and international options, are
between their college and club. Regardless of student groups that cook and eat dinners
their dining plan, all juniors and seniors may together at a common kitchen on campus.
eat two free meals a week in the residential
colleges.

Activities at the eating clubs include dinner

discussions, dances, intramural sports and
community service projects. Clubs have
game rooms, libraries, study spaces and
media rooms. The financial aid awards
of juniors and seniors include increased
allowances for meals to help cover the full
range of dining options.

CAF É S
Cafés serving a wide variety of foods —
sandwiches, pizza, salads and more — are
located throughout campus, including the
popular Frist Campus Center Food Gallery.

27
 Vibrant Campus Life
Students love the lively and S T U D E N T ORG AN I Z AT I ON S

varied campus life at Princeton. Sing with an a cappella group. Grow

sustainable food at the student garden.
Your experiences pursuing personal interests, Perform slam poetry. Play with the Princeton
exploring different activities, having fun with University Band. Princeton has more than
friends and meeting new people can be as 300 student organizations, which are created
important and inspiring as your education and run by students with support from the
in the classroom. There are countless University. They run the gamut from music
extracurricular organizations, clubs and and dance to politics and debate, from service
centers that bring students together. and social activities to ethnicity and religion.

28
CAM PU S C E N T E R S

The AccessAbility Center is an inclusive The Frist Campus Center is the central
gathering and study space for students, with gathering place for everyone on campus, as
the mission of providing opportunities for well as alumni and visitors. Frist hosts a
engagement and conversation around ability, variety of programs and services, including
access and difference. dining venues, a theater, television lounge,
billiards room and more.
Campus Club is a social facility for
undergraduate and graduate students that The John H. Pace Jr. ’39 Center for Civic
hosts numerous activities and offers flexible Engagement helps students learn to do
spaces for casual relaxation and formal service well and have a positive impact in
gatherings. the community. Through the Pace Center,
students can participate in local, national and
The Carl A. Fields Center for Equality and
international service experiences. See page
Cultural Understanding is a place where
39 for more information.
diverse perspectives and experiences of
race, class, gender and their intersections The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
are supported and challenged, questioned (LGBT) Center supports and empowers lesbian,
and answered. The center’s mission is to gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning,
foster unity among the Princeton community intersex and asexual students by providing
through programs that integrate self­ community-building, education, events and
awareness, multicultural and intercultural initiatives. Its mission is helping individuals
communication skills, social justice education explore their many identities. The center
and leadership opportunities. The center is a advises many student groups, including those
friendly space for study breaks, movie nights, for first-year students and students of color.
festivals and more.
The Women*s Center welcomes people
The Davis International Center offers an array of all genders and fosters dialogue about
of services and programs for international the role gender plays in shaping all of our
students and scholars, including advising on lives. Building upon a legacy of activism
immigration and visa matters, and supporting and advocacy, activities are organized
students during their time at Princeton. The around themes of leadership, holistic
center also hosts intercultural programs and health, community building, mentoring and
events including the annual International empowering, advocating for students, and
Orientation for new international students. educating and training.
29
 Spiritual Connections
It’s easy to find your spiritual ORL also offers pastoral care and spiritual
counseling. The Religious Life Council
home at Princeton. brings together students of all faiths to
With 17 chaplaincies and almost 50 faith- learn from one another.
based student organizations, there are many
opportunities to explore and deepen your T H E C E N T E R FOR
faith, as well as to discover and build bridges J E WI S H L I F E / H I L L E L ( C J L )
between faiths and between religious and
CJL offers a welcoming, multifaceted
nonreligious students on campus.
community of peers and a comfortable
In addition, students can discover their own environment for students to explore their
sacred spaces on campus to pray, meditate or connections to Judaism and Jewish life.
quietly reflect, such as the University Chapel, The CJL engages students in a broad
Interfaith Meditation Room and the Muslim spectrum of activities and empowers them
Prayer Room, as well as the many beautiful to become leaders of the Jewish community
natural spaces within the campus landscape. at Princeton. The CJL organizes festive
Shabbat and holiday meals and celebrations,
T H E OF F I C E OF creative themed study breaks, domestic and
R E L I G I OU S L I F E ( OR L ) international service-learning trips, and other
opportunities. It also houses a kosher dining
ORL supports the religious interests of hall that is open to all Princeton student ID
students, faculty and staff of various faiths, cardholders. Princeton also has an active
and offers community service, cross-cultural Chabad organization, providing all students
and social action programs. Highlights have with new opportunities to experience
included a campus talk by the Dalai Lama Judaism through religious, educational and
and a recent student trip to Cambodia to
social programs.
learn about religion and human rights.

30
 The increasing diversity of
T H E U N I VE R S I T Y C H APE L
Princeton’s student body is
All students are welcome at the chapel’s
ecumenical services. You may participate in bringing a wonderful diversity
study and discussion groups, conferences, of religious traditions as well.
the Chapel Deacons program, trips abroad,
retreats, Chapel Choir, drama and social action. Alison Boden
Dean of religious life and the chapel

F I N D A R E L I G I OU S H OM E Manna Christian Fellowship

Princeton hosts a number of campus Muslim Advocates for Social Justice
chaplaincies, student-organized religious and Individual Dignity
groups, and gatherings for worship and Muslim Chaplaincy
community-building.
Muslim Students Association

Aquinas Institute (Roman Catholic) Orthodox Christian Fellowship

Athletes in Action (Christian fellowship) Princeton Buddhist Students’ Group

Bahá’í Club Princeton Chabad Student Group

Baptist Student Fellowship Princeton Christian Fellowship

Center for Jewish Life/Hillel Princeton Faith and Action

Chabad Princeton Hindu Satsangam

Chapel Deacons Princeton Intervarsity Graduate Christian

Fellowship
Chapel Student Fellowship
Princeton Leaders in Christ
Christian Science Organization
Princeton Presbyterians
Episcopal Church at Princeton (Anglican)
Princeton University Christian Community
Faculty Commons
Council
Genesis (Christian)
Princeton University Gospel Ensemble
Hallelujah Church (African American
Princeton University Society of Humanists
church tradition)
(secular)
Hindu Chaplaincy
Progressive Christians at Princeton
Hour of Power (ecumenical Christian)
Sant’Egidio
J Street U Princeton
Seventh-Day Adventists
Jewish Progressives
Sikhs of Princeton
Kindred Spirit (Christian a cappella)
Unitarian Universalists Campus Community
Koleinu (Jewish a cappella)
Wesley Foundation (Methodist)
Latter-Day Saints
Worship House
Lutheran Campus Ministry
Yavneh

31
 Play Like a Tiger

Whatever your skills or interests, championships than any school during the last
two decades. The University also is regularly at
there are many opportunities to the top of the Ivy League’s unofficial all-sports
enjoy athletics at Princeton. championship. About 20% of undergraduates
participate in varsity sports, including
With 37 varsity teams for men and women,
basketball, cross country, ice hockey, rowing
Princeton has one of the largest and most
and more. Additional information is available at
successful athletic programs in the NCAA [Link].
Division I. You also may participate in
informal activities for exercise and fun
through club and intramural sports. Our CAM PU S R E C R E AT I ON
superior indoor and outdoor facilities are a
resource for varsity and recreational athletics. You have many options for fitness and
recreation at Princeton. There are 38 club
sports, ranging from ballroom dancing
VAR S I T Y S P ORT S to Taekwondo and Ultimate Frisbee. The
Princeton varsity teams have a long history intramural sports program offers more than
of success, and our student athletes are 500 teams and has over 30 group fitness and
known for excelling in academics and sports. instructional classes.
Princeton teams have won more Ivy League

32
AT H L E T I C FAC I L I T I E S

There are numerous athletic facilities football, has seating for 27,800. Shea
for varsity and recreational use. Dillon Rowing Center is home to the crew program,
Gymnasium is available for nonvarsity and which rows on Princeton’s beautiful Lake
recreational sports, and includes a pool, Carnegie. The University also has a hockey
dance studio and the Stephens Fitness and ice skating rink, a tennis center, an
Center. Jadwin Gymnasium has 250,000 eight-lane Olympic track, an 18-hole golf
square feet of indoor space for varsity sports course and more than 50 acres of fields.
in addition to an outdoor practice area.
Princeton Stadium, where the Tigers play

My favorite part of the basketball team

was the top-to-bottom sense of family,
trust and investment in others. There are
countless favorite moments, but nothing
will top the emotion after hugging fellow
seniors in our final game together this
past season. Being pre-med and a varsity
athlete was definitely a lot of work, and
I had to carefully manage my time. But
basketball took me places, like playing in
Italy and Hawaii, that I may never have
seen otherwise. My advice to incoming
student athletes: Explore, take risks and
do new things. You’d be surprised how
experiences away from your sport can
build a perspective that helps you lead
I chose Princeton because of its
and perform once you are back on the
flexibility. In addition to the water polo
court or field!
team, I’m a cadet in the Army ROTC Tiger
Elias Berbari Battalion. Compared to the other schools,
Senior, varsity men’s basketball Princeton stood out because it offered the
best programs in academics, ROTC and
Ecology and evolutionary biology concentrator athletics. I could pursue all three of my
passions at the highest levels. My military
and athletic commitments have helped
me grow immensely as a person. I also
love that my team is so supportive of my
passions outside the pool. Their burgeoning
curiosity about the military and their
interest in the things I’m doing in ROTC
reminds me every day that I am part of a
family, not just a team.

Kasey Bersh
Junior, varsity women’s water polo
Princeton School of Public and
International Affairs concentrator

33
 The World Is Your Classroom

We feel the best way to learn BR I D G E Y E AR

from other cultures is to At Princeton, you can jump right into an

extraordinary international experience even
experience them firsthand. before you set foot on campus as a first-year
Suitcase. Passport. Binoculars. Camera. student. Think Bolivia, China, India, Indonesia
Journal. Hiking boots. Sketch pad. Add an and Senegal. Princeton’s Novogratz Bridge
open mind and a healthy dose of curiosity Year Program is a tuition-free opportunity
and you’ll have all the “classroom supplies” for newly admitted students to begin their
you might need to take part in a variety of undergraduate experience with a year of
international programs at Princeton. public service abroad. Groups of seven
Princeton students are placed in homestays
The Office of International Programs (OIP)
at each program location. While abroad, you
serves as the University’s primary resource for
will explore and learn from host communities
undergraduates seeking to gain experiences
through volunteer work, language study,
abroad and for students applying for
excursions and other cultural engagement
fellowships and scholarships. OIP is home to
activities. Students are invited to apply
the Novogratz Bridge Year Program, Fellowship
for Bridge Year after they have accepted
Advising, the International Internship Program
Princeton’s offer of admission.
and the Study Abroad Program.

34
 My time in Bolivia allowed me to Bridge Year was one of the
approach my Princeton education highlights of my Princeton career.
with more perspective and purpose. It allowed me to experience life
Bridge Year has given me the skills in another country, learn a new
to think critically about how I’m language, better understand service
spending my time and directed me and civic engagement, and challenge
toward the things that I am most myself in new and exciting ways.
passionate about. Greta Miller
Jackson Vail Senior
Sophomore Civil and environmental engineering
concentrator
Vail volunteered with Kusikuna, a small
alternative school and learning community, Miller spent her Bridge Year in Kunming, China.
outside of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

S T U DY ABROAD
Destinations for the Study Abroad Program
span the world and are open to students in
all concentrations. You can choose from a
multitude of experiences, from improving
language skills to engaging in interdisciplinary
academic programs. Princeton accepts
credit from more than 100 programs and
universities in more than 40 countries. These
include exchange programs with top-ranked
universities around the globe as well as
Princeton-sponsored field study programs.

Students can study abroad in sophomore

spring, any time during junior year and in the
fall of senior year. There are no extra fees for
those who participate in the Study Abroad
Program, and students on financial aid can rest
assured that their aid award will travel with
them.

Many students also choose to study abroad

in the summer. You can spend the summer
improving your language skills in one of
Princeton’s own intensive language programs
or in a preapproved program offered by
another institution. Princeton also offers
summer programs on academic topics that
come alive when studied on site and that often
include fieldwork.
35
 I N T E R NAT I ONAL I N T E R N S H I P S ACAD E M I C OPP ORT U N I T I E S
Princeton’s International Internship Program Stretch your idea of what a classroom can
(IIP) offers guidance and financial support look like. When you study abroad, your
to undergraduates who wish to undertake a classroom might be a tropical research
summer internship abroad. With placements institute in Panama, the ruins of ancient
in more than 50 countries, IIP offers students theaters in Greece, war sites in Vietnam
the opportunity to fulfill academic and or the archives of the Paris Opera Ballet.
personal goals while living and working Outside of the Study Abroad Program,
abroad. Interns have held positions in academic opportunities abroad include
government, media, education, public health courses that have an international travel
and nongovernmental organizations, as well component, independent thesis research in
as financial and research institutions. other countries, and the Princeton Institute for
International and Regional Studies’ (PIIRS)
summer global seminars.

36
 Study abroad, though initially I’m standing on a bridge
quite daunting, was perhaps over Colombia’s main river, the
one of the best experiences Magdalena, near the river’s source
I could have had during my in the Andes. This was during a
Princeton years. From meeting hike with an archaeologist to see
new friends, to rowing on an some of the region’s famous pre-
Oxford University rowing team, Columbian monolithic statues. I
to debating one-on-one with elite spent two summers in Colombia
scholars, I will always remember and my senior thesis is a
just how eye-opening this nonfiction book of travel writing
experience was, not only for my about the people and places along
future in academia, but also for the river. I also have studied or
me personally. done research in Cuba, Spain and
Aoife Bennett Portugal while at Princeton.
Junior
Jordan Salama
Princeton School of Public and International
Affairs concentrator Senior

Bennett studied abroad in the United Kingdom Spanish and Portuguese concentrator
at the University of Oxford.
37
 Find Your Service Focus
The University’s long-standing efforts all offer a myriad of ways to engage
in meaningful service on campus, in our
commitment to service and civic community and across the world.
engagement is at the core of the
Service and civic engagement encompass
Princeton experience. a wide array of endeavors, including
In the University’s new Service Focus community activism, public policy
program, you can forge a path that work, innovation and entrepreneurship,
purposefully bridges academics and service. environmental advocacy, international
Through summer internships, courses, development, and military service, including
faculty mentorship and peer reflection, Princeton’s Army, Air Force and Navy
you can learn what it means to be “in the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps programs.
nation’s service and the service of humanity.” Through these experiences, students often
view service as central to their education
In addition, student organizations, residential and to their lives beyond Princeton.
colleges, eating clubs and student-initiated

38
T H E JOH N H . PAC E J R . ’ 3 9
C E N T E R FOR C I VI C E NG AG E M E N T Sustained Volunteering: Community House
The Pace Center for Civic Engagement and Student Volunteers Council service
helps students learn to do service well and projects respond to community needs as
have a positive impact in the community. students learn from and work alongside
Through the Pace Center, you can learn community organizations. Princeton
alongside the community, help others, students tutor and mentor local youth,
explore pressing societal issues, engage fight hunger, teach dance and art, serve as
with faculty, advocate for change and emergency medical technicians and more.
connect service to your academic pursuits
Advocacy and Activism: Student
at Princeton and beyond.
organizations take on advocacy, activism,
With the Pace Center, students discover social justice and community building
who they are, why they serve and how around a wide array of societal issues.
to make a difference in the world. From advocating for prison reform and
Opportunities available through the Pace standing with immigrant communities
Center include: to fostering social entrepreneurship and
working on environmental issues, students
Community Immersion: As part of
seek to make change in the world.
Orientation, Community Action introduces
first-year students to community in the Internships and Fellowships: Students can
town of Princeton and the surrounding design their own grassroots peace projects
area. Through peer-led small groups, with Projects for Peace, intern with criminal
students participate in team building, justice nonprofits with Guggenheim
meet community leaders and engage Internships in Criminal Justice, design
in collaborative projects with local and engage in service-related summer
organizations. Breakout Princeton offers internships as a John C. Bogle ’51 Fellow in
students the opportunity to engage with Civic Service, or protect the environment
faculty and community partners as they after graduation in the High Meadows
plan trips to examine social issues across the Fellowship Program.
United States over fall and spring breaks.

For me, service gives purpose to my studies

and my life. Whether I pursue research or
business, or whatever I ultimately decide, I know
that if I approach it with a service mindset, it
gives real purpose to the work I do.
Moses Im
Junior
Molecular biology concentrator

39
 S T U D E N T I N NOVAT OR S

An after-school enrichment program for solve critical societal challenges.

underserved middle and high school girls. Through its robust and diverse course
A platform that provides decentralized offerings, certificate programs, internship
applications to help people reclaim their opportunities, and co-curricular activities,
privacy on the internet. A portable and the Keller Center encourages students from
automatic intravenous injection device. These all concentrations to create, innovate and lead.
are just some of the original endeavors and
The Entrepreneurial Hub in downtown
inventions by Princeton students.
Princeton (photo above) is a home base
Entrepreneurship “the Princeton way” is for entrepreneurial activities. Students,
about fostering positive social, economic or faculty and alumni can come together to
cultural impact through the perspective of the exchange ideas and develop projects through
University values of liberal arts, research and programs such as the Keller Center’s eLab
public service. Summer Accelerator Program and Tiger
Challenge, while the entire community can
The Keller Center for Innovation in
take advantage of workshops, lectures and
Engineering Education is where students in
mentorship opportunities.
all disciplines learn to use entrepreneurship,
innovation and design thinking to help

Entrepreneurship is about much more than starting companies; it’s

about translating aspirations to meaningful impact. With liberal arts
strengths and many experiences in and out of the classroom to foster
an entrepreneurial mindset, Princeton provides students powerful tools
to achieve these goals.
Margaret Martonosi
Director, Keller Center for Innovation in Engineering Education
Hugh Trumbull Adams ’35 Professor of Computer Science

40
I N S PI R I NG F U T U R E L E AD E R S From the moment I arrived at my
Students can explore potential careers in internship promoting early childhood
public service and the nonprofit sector language and literacy, I felt like part
through the alumni initiative Princeton
Internships in Civic Service (PICS).
of the team. The work reaffirmed
PICS offers 8- to 10-week paid summer my passion for educational justice
internships in a wide range of endeavors and clarified my career goals. It’s
in national and international organizations. exciting to think of the collective
Students work in group advocacy, legal
impact Princeton students will have
services, public policy, the environment,
health and social services, community on the world as the PICS program
development, education, and the arts. continues to make its mark.
Princeton alumni serve as partners and
mentors to interns, fostering long- Charlotte Reynders
lasting connections between alumni and
Senior
undergraduates.
Art and archaeology concentrator
PICS intern at Jumpstart for Young Children

M AK I NG A D I F F E R E NC E I N T H E WOR L D

Princeton faculty, staff and students found computer programming textbooks donated
ways large and small to help Puerto Rico after by Princeton students and faculty.
the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Many
When not teaching, the students volunteered
raised funds and sent supplies from Princeton,
on farms and beaches and in food kitchens.
while others traveled to the island to help on
Relief projects included removing remains
the ground.
of buildings demolished by the hurricane,
During the summer, computer science lecturer cleaning up debris on beaches, organizing
Alan Kaplan and four sophomores spent care packages with food, water and cleaning
six weeks volunteering in Mayagüez, Puerto supplies, and working on sustainable building
Rico. In addition to relief work, the students projects using debris from the hurricane.
were teaching assistants for an introductory
“The goal is to help students in Puerto
computer science course Kaplan taught at
Rico and to raise awareness for Princeton
the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. The
students, both by teaching and by doing
group arrived on the island with nearly 40
community service,” said Kaplan.

41
 Financial Aid
Princeton has one of the provides grants — not student loans — to
meet your full demonstrated financial need.
strongest need-based financial The policy applies to both domestic and
aid programs in the country. international applicants.
This reflects our commitment to affordability For more information about Princeton’s
and accessibility, as well as our desire to financial aid policy and how to apply, visit
attract the most talented students. The [Link]/cost-aid.
University’s financial aid program

of tuition is covered

100% by Princeton’s average

aid package for
students admitted
to the Class of 2023
with family incomes
up to $160,000.

42
 82 %

of recent seniors
graduated debt free.

$
56,500
Nobody in my family has gone to college.
The hardest part of being first-generation is
that you don’t have anyone at home guiding
you. My mom didn’t know how to apply for
financial aid. My family was in shock when
I learned I was accepted to Princeton with The average
full financial aid. We couldn’t have afforded
even community college tuition, so it was annual grant
nice knowing Princeton would fund my entire
education plus give me grants to buy books
for aid students
and cover other expenses. It’s amazing that I
don’t have to worry about the economic side
admitted to the
of going to a school like Princeton. Class of 2023.
Ana Patricia Esqueda
Senior
Psychology concentrator

43
 F I NANC I AL AI D FOR S T U D E N T S AD M I T T E D T O T H E C L AS S OF 2 0 2 3

Gross Family Percent Average What It

Income Qualified Grant Covers

$0 – 65,000 100% $71,340 Full tuition, college fee, room & board

$65,000 – 85,000 100% $65,620 Full tuition, college fee, 75% room & board

$85,000 – 100,000 100% $62,800 Full tuition, college fee, 58% room & board

$100,000 – 120,000 100% $58,780 Full tuition, college fee, 35% room & board

$120,000 – 140,000 100% $56,400 Full tuition, college fee, 21% room & board

$140,000 – 160,000 100% $52,210 Full tuition

$160,000 – 180,000 100% $47,470 91% tuition

$180,000 – 200,000 93% $41,900 81% tuition

$200,000 – 250,000 82% $35,185 68% tuition

$250,000 and above 34% $25,430 49% tuition

most who qualify have
2 children in college

Tuition = $51,870 Residential college fee = $930

Room and board = $17,150
Shown above are average grant figures for students whose families reside in the United States. Your grant may
vary from the above averages based on the Financial Aid Office’s evaluation of your individual family’s resources,
including assets other than the primary family home and retirement funds.

C O S T OF AT T E N DANC E 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 T H E PR I NC E T ON
F I NANC I AL AI D
Tuition E S T I M AT OR
$51,870 Princeton’s confidential
Financial Aid Estimator can
Residential Estimated Total help you determine if you would
College fee qualify for aid and the type of
$73,450
$930 award you might receive. The
Note: Because the cost of
Room and Board goods and services continues
estimator is available at
to rise, charges for 2020-21 are [Link]/
$17,150 expected to increase modestly. cost-aid/financial-aid-estimator.
Expenses
Note: The aid estimator is
(books, supplies, travel, valid only for U.S. and
recreation, etc.) Canadian families.
$3,500

44
 When I was in high school, the
one thing I promised my mom
was that I would end up at a
university and that she wouldn’t
have to pay any money. When
I got my Princeton financial
package and saw that everything
was covered, my mom and I were
just so grateful.
Faith Iloka
Sophomore
African American studies concentrator

I was born in Aleppo, Syria,

and my family later moved to
North Carolina. Princeton is
surreal. I still can’t believe that
I go here. I’ve been given an
incredible opportunity and I
couldn’t have done it without the
help of so many people in my
life. There is a huge mission for
an institution like Princeton to
make sure that its education is
accessible to everyone.
Naoum Fares Marayati
Senior
Psychology concentrator

45
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20 Student Stories
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In the Nation's Service and the
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