How to Get Into Princeton in 2024 🐯 | Breaking Down A Princeton Essay That Worked!

Summary

This video offers valuable insights into how to successfully apply to Princeton University, focusing on two key pillars: service and conversation. The presenter emphasizes the importance of demonstrating community engagement through service projects and aligning them with Princeton's unique opportunities. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to reflect on meaningful life experiences and their ability to engage in diverse, respectful conversations. Practical advice is given for tackling Princeton's essay questions, with tips on answering short-form prompts creatively. The video also includes examples of successful essays, providing guidance for applicants looking to make a lasting impression.

Takeaways

• 😀 Princeton is more than just an intellectual and preppy environment—there are unique opportunities that go beyond the stereotypes, such as a low student-to-faculty ratio and diverse service options.
• 😀 Service plays a key role in Princeton's ethos, as demonstrated by their motto 'In the Nation's Service and the Service of Humanity.' Community service should be tied to specific, future service goals at Princeton.
• 😀 Focus on one or two significant moments in your service journey and connect them to opportunities unique to Princeton, such as serving as a volunteer firefighter or receiving funding for community engagement projects through 'Process.'
• 😀 Princeton's supplemental essay question emphasizes the importance of 'conversation' and how your lived experiences will contribute to discussions at Princeton. It's about how you'll engage with and learn from others.
• 😀 Instead of focusing on broad life lessons, consider reflecting on a specific experience, such as a controversial discussion or a time when you were wrong and learned from it.
• 😀 The conversation essay question at Princeton values humility, active listening, and intellectual curiosity. Avoid generic topics like politics or academics; focus on something unique and personal.
• 😀 The superhero debate example in the essay illustrates the importance of understanding differing viewpoints and how to engage thoughtfully, even in lighthearted disagreements like Marvel vs. DC.
• 😀 When addressing the 'new skill' essay prompt, think creatively and authentically. Unusual or whimsical skills (like juggling or stand-up comedy) can help showcase your personality and passions.
• 😀 For the 'soundtrack of your life' essay prompt, don't overthink your answer. It's okay to choose a popular song that resonates with your personality and emotions, as admission officers will appreciate familiarity.
• 😀 Whether you're using a vivid narrative or a list format, aim for authenticity in your writing. The goal is to evoke a genuine emotional response and showcase what brings you joy.
• 😀 The video suggests practical tips and real-world examples for tackling Princeton’s essays, aiming to help students stand out by aligning their personal stories with Princeton’s core values.

Q & A

What is Princeton’s motto, and why is it important to their ethos?

Princeton’s motto is 'In the nation’s service and the service of humanity.' This is crucial to the university’s ethos because it reflects their strong focus on community service and contributing to society. It underscores the importance of serving humanity, which influences many aspects of student life, including their admission process and academic pursuits.

What is the best way to approach the Princeton supplemental essay about service?

The best approach is to narrow down your community service experiences and focus on one or two significant moments that align with your future plans. Connect these experiences to unique service opportunities at Princeton, like volunteering as a firefighter or engaging in global service projects funded by programs like the 'Process.'

How should applicants reflect on their conversations at Princeton in their essays?

Applicants should reflect on how their lived experiences will contribute to meaningful conversations at Princeton. This includes discussing how they’ll engage in discussions in the classroom, dining hall, or other campus spaces. The focus should be on the insights gained from life experiences and how they plan to engage with others to challenge and expand their perspectives.

What kind of experiences does Princeton look for in applicants’ essays about conversation?

Princeton values applicants who can engage in respectful and thoughtful conversations. Applicants should highlight experiences where they’ve had to discuss controversial issues, be humbled by others' viewpoints, or learn important life lessons. The goal is to show an ability to listen and engage with others, not just to present one's own perspective.

What should applicants avoid when writing about their life lessons in Princeton’s essays?

Applicants should avoid focusing on cliche topics like politics or academics. Instead, they should aim to select personal and unique experiences that haven't been addressed elsewhere in the application. The essay should showcase genuine introspection and a willingness to engage with diverse ideas.

How does Princeton encourage its students to engage in intellectual debates?

Princeton encourages intellectual debates by fostering a community that values open-mindedness and respectful dialogue. Students are expected to engage in conversations that challenge their beliefs and expand their understanding, whether through formal debates or casual discussions.

How did the example essay about superhero cinema illustrate important points for Princeton applicants?

The example essay used a debate between Marvel and DC fans to show how meaningful conversations can challenge one's perspectives. It highlighted the student's ability to listen to others, engage with their arguments, and reflect on personal growth. It also showcased intellectual depth through specific examples, making the conversation both compelling and reflective.

What advice is given for answering the Princeton short-form question about a new skill to learn?

Applicants should be creative and original when answering this question. They are encouraged to mention unusual or whimsical skills, such as juggling or stand-up comedy, and explain why these skills are meaningful. The answer should show personal growth and reflect what brings the applicant joy.

What is a good strategy for writing the 'song that represents the soundtrack of your life' essay?

Applicants should not overthink this question. It's a chance to mention a song that resonates with their personality or life philosophy. Whether it’s a popular song or a niche genre, the goal is to convey emotion and authenticity in their response. Cliché songs like 'Don’t Stop Believin’ can work well because they resonate with the reader.

How can applicants make their answers to Princeton's short-form essays more impactful?

Applicants can make their answers impactful by being genuine and authentic in their responses. They should convey emotion and personal connection, whether through a vivid narrative or a thoughtful list. This will make the essay memorable and demonstrate the applicant's unique perspective and creativity.