Princeton University Panels Study Guide

Introduction

  • Welcome to the Panels Study Guide!

    • Prepared by the Orange Key Board.
    • This document serves as a resource for preparing for Panels.
    • If successful, access to the full Guide for Guides (~130 pages) will be granted for tour preparation.

  • Key information covered includes:

    • Princeton knowledge write-ups to aid in Panels preparation.
    • Not intended for complete memorization or verbatim use.
    • Familiarize with key concepts and subjects relevant to the university.
    • Some concepts are elaborated on while others are briefly mentioned (e.g., zee groups).

  • It is encouraged to explore links provided for unfamiliar resources.

  • Subsequent preparation should include personal anecdotes from your experience at Princeton.

What to Expect at Panels

  • Structure and format:
    • Conducted with Guide Selection Officers (GSOs) acting as visitors on a tour.
    • GSOs ask prospective guides to provide a tour guide introduction, followed by various questions.
    • Each guide should aim to speak for 1-1.5 minutes per question.
    • Each panel lasts approximately 30 minutes with multiple participants.
  • Panel dates: February 8 - February 10.

Tour Introduction

  • Essential components of introducing oneself on a tour:
    • Name
    • Class year
    • Major or academic interests
    • Hometown
    • Activities participated at campus
  • Introduction is to be brief, engaging, and story-like to humanize the tour guide.

Basic Princeton History

  • Foundation and Name Changes:

    • Established in 1746 as "The College of New Jersey".
    • Moved to current location in 1756.
    • Renamed "Princeton University" in 1896.
    • Originally founded under a non-sectarian charter, historically linked to Presbyterianism.

  • Significant Historical Events:

    • January 3, 1777: Battle of Princeton.
    • Nassau Hall served as the US Capitol for ~4 months in 1783.
    • The tradition of stealing the clapper in Nassau Hall lasted nearly a century.
    • 1896: Establishment of the Graduate School and introduction of the motto “Princeton in the Nation’s Service.”
    • Modern motto expanded to “Princeton in the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity” due to Sonia Sotomayor's influence.
    • Admission of women to graduate school in 1961; undergraduate admission began in 1969.
    • First class of undergraduates to include women fully graduated in 1973.
    • Current gender ratio at Princeton is approximately 50% female.

  • Important Historical Questions:

    • What is Princeton’s informal motto?
    • How is this motto reflected in personal experiences?
    • Favorite historical story or myth about Princeton?

Buildings and Campus

  • Important campus locations:

    • Cannon Green:
    • Venue for ceremonies including Class Day and championship celebrations.
    • Historical significance as an intramural competition site.
    • Frist Campus Center:
    • Opened in September 2000, designed for fostering connections.
    • Facilities include the Gallery, print services, lounges, café, and classrooms.
    • Houses student government office and various resource centers.
    • Frist Health Center:
    • Opening in 2025 to expand mental health support.
    • Fully accredited with 24/7 availability during the academic year.
    • Provides Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS) and SHARE resources.
    • Firestone Library:
    • Opened in 1948, houses over 70 miles of shelving.
    • One of the largest open-stack libraries globally; allows browsing of materials.
    • Part of the Princeton University Library System with over 7 million volumes.
    • Nassau Hall:
    • Oldest building at Princeton, completed in 1756, largest in colonial New Jersey at that time.
    • Originally functioned as the entire university; now houses administrative offices.
    • McCosh Hall:
    • Built in 1906, now housing the English Department and the largest classroom (McCosh 50, 445 seats).
    • Blair Arch:
    • Popular site for a cappella groups and student events.
    • Designed as an entryway to campus in relation to Dinky station completion in 1897.

  • Questions to consider about campus sites:

    • What are favorite study or hangout spots?
    • How to navigate the campus?
    • Support for international students or students with disabilities?
    • Mental health support specifics?

Academic Programs

  • Degrees Offered:

    • Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) and Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.).
    • Approximately 30% of students enrolled in B.S.E. program.

  • Major and Certificate Requirements:

    • Offers 37 majors and up to 70 minors and certificates.
    • Only one major, with a limit of two minors or certificates.

  • Distribution Requirements:

    • A.B. students: 10 classes in nine areas.
    • B.S.E. students: basic courses in math/science by sophomore year, plus humanities courses.

  • Independent Work:

    • Junior independent work (often a junior paper) guided by faculty members.
    • Senior thesis required for A.B. and most B.S.E. candidates.

  • Class Formats:

    • Lectures: Large-scale classes for introductory subjects, paired with small-group discussions (precepts).
    • Classroom-style: Mix of lectures and seminar elements.
    • Seminars: In-depth discussion format, usually weekly sessions.

  • Focus on undergraduate experience:

    • Princeton’s low student-faculty ratio (5:1), the lowest in Ivy League.
    • Total undergraduates (5,826) vs. graduates (3,280).
    • No professional schools, only three graduate schools.

  • International Opportunities:

    • Structured international activities (61% participation in 2017-2018).
    • Credit transferable from over 100 programs in 43 countries, with financial aid support available.
    • Summer internships abroad via the International Internship Program.
    • Novogratz Bridge-Year Program for service abroad before college.

  • Academic Programs Questions:

    • What were personal challenges faced in courses?
    • Most favorite course and its significance.
    • Explanation of precepts and distribution requirements.
    • Overview of major coursework for A.B. vs B.S.E. students.
    • Definition and importance of independent work.

Financial Aid

  • Overview of the Financial Aid Program:

    • Princeton meets 100% of demonstrated financial need with comprehensive aid packages.
    • Eliminated loans in 2001, replaced with grants; average grant expected at $80,000+ (2025-2026).
    • High percentage of seniors graduate debt-free (90%).
    • Elimination of student contribution requirement in 2022; financial aid scales are available.
    • Need-blind admissions policy for international students maintained.
    • Funding continues for study abroad costs.
    • Only need-based funding provided; no merit aid or athletic scholarships offered.

  • Financial Aid Questions:

    • Key differentiators of Princeton's financial aid program.
    • Considerations regarding elitism in financial aid structures.
    • Support measures for first-generation students.

Residential and Dining

  • Residential Colleges:

    • Incoming first years are assigned randomly to one of seven residential colleges, fostering community.
    • Commitment to community provided through Advisee Groups (Zee Groups).
    • Housing guarantee for all undergraduates, with 96% staying on-campus.
    • Facilities within colleges include dorms, dining halls, lounges, and study spaces.

  • Dining Plans:

    • Unlimited meal plan covering three meals a day for all underclassmen.
    • Upperclass dining options include co-ops and eating clubs (70% of juniors/seniors join).
    • “Independent” students favored in housing draw for kitchen access.
    • Eating clubs serve community and social environment, similar yet distinct from fraternities.

  • Dining Questions:

    • An explanation of the role of residential colleges and their workings.
    • Dining options available and quality assessment of campus food.
    • Clarification of eating clubs and their societal impact.
    • Contrast of bicker and inclusionary measures.

Culture and Athletics

  • Institutional Symbols:

    • University colors: Orange and Black.
    • Motto: “Dei Sub Numine Viget” (Under God’s Power, She Flourishes).
    • Informal translations exist humorously among the community.

  • Athletics:

    • NCAA Division I status and membership with the Ivy League.
    • Approximately 18% of undergraduates are varsity athletes, with extensive club and intramural participation.
    • Offerings include 38 varsity sports and numerous club teams, along with an active intramural program.
    • Opportunities for student-led spin and yoga classes.

  • Religious Life:

    • No religious affiliation despite origins; over 30 groups under the Office of Religious Life.

  • Athletics Questions:

    • Personal favorite tradition associated with athletics?
    • Discuss support for athletic teams and community engagement.

Personal Opinions and Experiences

  • Personal opinion sharing must be distinct:

    • Aim to present positive responses even to negative inquiries.
    • Use personal stories to personalize answers and enrich engagement.

  • Personal Questions:

    • Suggestions for change within the university?
    • Assessments on safety and environmental factors on campus.