Princetonian Principles in Practice by Alice

Princetonian Principles in Practice by Alice - August 2020 Scholarship Essay

Kaleidoscopic colors of dancing foliage adorn stately stone walls, changing with every season as visitors stroll the winding pathways. The vibrant hues that illuminate campus grounds in the midst of a quiet suburb resemble that of the diverse and vivacious student body that arrive every year. Princeton University, a private university in New Jersey, emphasizes an enriching undergraduate experience as well as the development of research and writing skills that differentiate its academics from that of many other universities. Fueled by passion for knowledge, leadership, and collaboration, Princeton’s students are encouraged to utilize their skills and broad knowledge base to become actively involved in the wider community. A student pursuing the liberal arts curriculum at Princeton will participate in a program uniquely designed to foster creativity and innovation, strengthen research and writing skills, and transform ambitious students into contributing global citizens.
One of the most distinctive elements of Princeton is the commitment to undergraduate learning. Nearly two-thirds of the students are undergraduates, and the low five to one student to faculty ratio helps to foster close working relationships. Through workshops, seminars, and consultations offered by the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning, faculty invest their creative energies into maintaining a high-quality education. Extensive research on human learning allows teachers and students to practice thoughtful approaches to both teaching and learning. In collaboration, teachers and students continually discuss new technologies and techniques to promote active learning. A significant goal of such practices include preparing students to perform independent research. At Princeton, students have opportunities to prepare themselves for the rigors of academic research and writing. The Writing Center provides one-on-one sessions with experienced writers, and various seminars focus on ways in which to develop in-depth and well-written research. With resources at hand, students demonstrate mental discipline, analytical skills, clear writing, and independent thinking by completing a major capstone project based upon original research. Educators accentuate independent research as a defining feature of Princeton with the Office of Undergraduate Research and other programs working to provide necessary tools for students to succeed in academic research and writing.
Alongside providing high-quality coursework, Princeton’s faculty is committed to establishing a diverse community. The Working Group on Undergraduate Socioeconomic Diversity works to determine ways in which students of lower-income backgrounds may succeed. Although it was found that lower-income students reported great satisfaction with their Princeton experience and achieved academic results comparable to students of other socioeconomic backgrounds, faculty pursued the initiative to address challenges lower-income students may face. By implementing changes such as curricular improvements and extracurricular support beneficial to students of all income classes, Princeton aims to give all students, regardless of economic status, the opportunity to enrich themselves in a transformative education. To advance the initiative of cultivating an inclusive community, many international opportunities are provided for undergraduates. Over half of the undergraduates travel internationally to undertake a venture abroad. The Office of International Programs, Council for International Teaching and Research, and Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies collaborate to make possible meaningful international experiences. Programs available are intended to recognize students of all backgrounds as well as to foster a more internationally-minded community. More actively closing the gaps among students of diverse backgrounds than most other colleges, Princeton offers a tolerant space and endeavors to continue improving upon the educational opportunities for all students, notwithstanding socioeconomic or cultural circumstances.
While students from all corners of society pursue a rewarding education, Princeton’s academic curriculum is also designed to engage students in service. Efforts to serve the public exemplify the Princetonian principle of service, a fundamental belief that students are to utilize their abilities to contribute to societal improvement and advancement. To allow students to become productively involved, Princeton offers courses in which students may develop research projects for other organizations and agencies. Several programs help connect students to nonprofit organizations to strengthen the impact with combined efforts. Those majoring in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, for example, work with agencies to research policy changes and present findings. Encouraged to use their abilities for public good, students are surrounded by a culture that cherishes meaningful, sustained service. The Pace Center for Civic Engagement, developed to uphold the principle of service, essays to teach students to make positive societal contributions and inspire commitment to the larger community. From their first days on campus to graduation, students discuss societal issues, potential solutions, and their existing societal impact. They become involved in advocacy, activism, and even services abroad. Passion for public service is a transformative element of the Princeton education with which students learn their potential to incite important change.
As a university of world-renowned scholars, teachers, and students from across the world, Princeton University has long-emerged as an illustrious, highly competitive university. Yet, even among top universities, Princeton offers an education uniquely designed for students who desire a role in the influential world of academic research, value a diverse and accepting community, and are passionate about making positive differences. Princeton boasts a community of students who ambitiously pursue a rigorous curriculum while dedicated to making long-lasting societal contributions. The emphasis on independent research opportunities, cultivation of a broader sense of community, and drive to invigorate an undying service to humanity give prominence to Princeton as a university that not only prepares students to become successful independent thinkers, but encourages students to give back as benevolent members of society as well.