Few incoming students have an accurate idea of what their college experience will be like. (Think back to your freshman year — did you?) But students can get a taste of what to expect, thanks to Real Talk Princeton — a student-run website where they can submit questions and get answers from Princeton undergraduates. While students occasionally pose lighthearted questions about tigers and the like, the vast majority seek serious advice on academics, student life, the social scene, and much more.
Launched in late 2013 for admitted students deciding whether or not to commit, Real Talk Princeton now takes questions from prospective applicants and current students, providing more than 6,000 answers. Twelve anonymous contributors (some of whom have shared their identities with PAW) currently maintain the website (realtalkprinceton.tumblr.com).
“Part of Real Talk is to help people get their footing on campus,” said rika Davidoff ’17, the site administrator, who answers questions under the pseudonym Amygdala.
Admission materials provide extensive information to prospective students, Davidoff said, but some freshmen arrive on campus and ask “how do you actually take advantage of these opportunities?” The site is valued, she said, for its honest and uncensored student perspectives.
Would you recommend not doing a MOL 214 lab the same day as a MOL lecture?
Literally doesn’t matter at all. MOL is the most low-key lab you’ll ever take. Very little is expected of you.
Is a fan really necessary? I don’t know how [hot] it gets in NJ.
What kind of drinks do eating clubs have? Is the alcohol any good or is it the kind that’s really only good to get drunk on?
Eating clubs just give out beer. It’s not good beer. Everyone gets drunk before heading to the Street. Pregames will usually have the liquor. Also not usually very good liquor.
Some questions deal with personal or sensitive issues, which can range from stress and mental illness to diversity in the eating clubs.