Princeton University: Off the Record - College Prowler

College guides written by students for students.

Princeton University Students Tell It Like It Is

So, you want to be a tiger, do you?

Well, the first thing you should do is develop a strong distaste for Harvard and Yale. Then you should buy the College Prowler guide to Princeton.

"Our academic programs are first-rate, and many of our professors are highly regarded in their fields. Also, because of Princeton's commitment to undergraduate education, the professors are accessible to students. Of course, some of them are quite dull, but that is the exception. The academics are hands-down outstanding."

Nevermind the famous alums (Bill Bradley, Dean Cain, James Madison, Ralph Nader, Donald Rumsfeld, Brooke Shields, James Stewart) or the prestigious academics (13% overall acceptance rate, Nobel prize-winning faculty, mandated senior thesis) - this is all old news to prospective Princeton students. What you really need to know is about the beer jackets!

This tradition began with a few members of the Class of 1912, who noticed that the foam from their beers would spot their clothing. To avoid pricey cleaning charges, they developed the idea of a beer jacket, a jacket that could be worn to protect clothing from stains while drinking.

So with a tradition like that, you would think Princeton excels in more than just academics. But you know what's not first-rate? The nightlife.

"It's pretty weird. Since Princeton is in a New Jersey suburb, there's really nothing to do off campus, except go to the movies, malls, and some restaurants. Coming from a city, it's been a difficult transition."

You know what else isn't first-rate? The eye candy.

"The guys are cool but a little pretentious, and the girls are very pretentious. The majority is ugly as sin-only a few good-looking ones exist, half of which have boyfriends. The idea of 'importing girls' is widely used."

But the question with Princeton is not whether or not to apply. (You probably made that decision when you were about 4 years old.) What our book does is make the transition easier. We give you everything you'll need to ensure a smooth move from high school to Ivy League.

So buy our book, then put your beer jacket on.

Find out what Princeton is really like, straight from the students' mouths.

Visiting campus isn't enough.

Read our Princeton University insider's guide and discover what it feels like to be on campus for 4 years.

Discover if Princeton is Right For You.