What is Princeton like? Jade's Journey from New Zealand to the Ivy League

What is Princeton really like? We recently caught up with CGA alumna Jade from New Zealand, to find out how she’s settling into her first year at Princeton University.

Jade shares her first impressions of the Princeton campus, how she got into Princeton from studying at global online private school, and how she’s adapting to academic and social life at the Ivy League US college.

What Is Princeton Like? An Interview With Jade

How is your first year at Princeton going so far?

It's been a lot of fun, and settling into life here has been easier than I expected, although there have been some challenges.

I’m coming right out of midterms; I had five exams—one for each of my classes: electrical engineering, computer science, Chinese, physics, and math. It was a busy week, but overall, I’m really enjoying my time here!

What has been the toughest part of your academic schedule?

Electrical engineering is probably the hardest right now because it’s so different from anything I did in high school. With subjects like math and physics, you have a foundation from high school, but electrical engineering feels like starting from scratch.

It’s exciting because there’s so much to explore in this new field, but that also makes it quite challenging.

What were your impressions before arriving on the Princeton campus, and how have they changed?

Before coming here, I didn’t know much about Princeton! I knew it was an Ivy League school, but I had this perception that it might be a bit too conservative, and that the town was too small for my liking.

However, once I was accepted, I did more research and realised that Princeton’s smaller size is actually a huge advantage. The close-knit community allows for strong relationships, and there are plenty of resources for students. Plus, the location is great—you’re close to major cities like New York and Philadelphia.

My initial impression wasn’t entirely positive, but now that I’m here, I genuinely love it.

What has surprised you most about Princeton?

Definitely the people. The level of support from friends, professors, and the entire community has really won me over.

There are so many opportunities to get help with classes, whether it’s through office hours or small-group discussions known as precepts, which are inspired by the Oxbridge tutoring system. It feels like everyone here is committed to helping you succeed, and that’s made a big difference.

Can you explain what a precept is for those who aren’t familiar?

Sure! A precept is a small, discussion-based session where around 10 students work closely with a professor, reviewing course content and discussing topics in more detail.

It’s particularly helpful for larger classes like introductory computer science because it gives you a chance to ask questions and get to know your classmates better.

As someone who transitioned from a global online high school, how was the adjustment to campus life?

It was pretty seamless, actually. Before enroling at CGA, I attended a traditional public school, so I had experience with in-person learning. My time at the online school also helped me develop skills that made the transition smoother; like self-management and independent learning.

CGA really encouraged a well-rounded approach to education, which included extracurricular activities and in-person social interactions.

I think that balance really helped me adjust when I arrived at Princeton.

What skills did you develop at the online school that have helped you at Princeton?

Self-management is the biggest one. At CGA I learned how to keep myself focused and disciplined, even without the typical classroom environment. University life requires a lot of independent study, and I think that experience gave me an advantage.

Additionally, I learned the importance of asking for help and taking initiative, especially when faced with academic challenges.

How did your A Levels prepare you for Princeton?

The A Level curriculum was definitely rigorous, and having taken six A-levels plus an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), I feel well-prepared for the academic demands here.

The A Levels allowed me to place out of some courses, like chemistry and a math requirement, and the depth of the physics curriculum gave me a strong foundation. I think the A Level experience taught me to handle a challenging workload, which has been valuable at Princeton.

What about the EPQ? How does that compare to Princeton’s expectations?

The EPQ is quite similar to a college-level research project and involves intensive writing, much like Princeton’s writing seminar for first-year students. I haven’t taken the writing seminar yet—it’s scheduled for next semester—but I expect the skills I developed during the EPQ will help me manage the university's writing demands.

How have you found living on the Princeton campus?

I love it! Living on the Princeton campus has given me the opportunity to be around friends all the time, which is great for building a strong community. There are always events to attend, and it’s easy to find things to do. Being constantly surrounded by inspiring people and having so many opportunities at my fingertips feels amazing.

What advice would you give to students at your former online high school who are considering university options?

Keep an open mind and explore all your options. Even if you’re not sure about university, talk to someone who has been or look into areas that interest you.

I almost dismissed Princeton at first, but I’m so glad I ended up here. You never know what might happen, so go for it—you might regret it if you don’t try. When it comes to university applications, you often get accepted where there’s a good fit, even if you didn’t realise it yourself.

Jade's Journey from an Online High School to Princeton

Jade’s journey from an online high school to one of the world’s most prestigious universities highlights the power of keeping an open mind and embracing challenges.

Describing what Princeton is like, Jade's reflection shows how online learning can equip students with the skills needed for success in higher education. Whether you're considering university or still figuring out your path, her advice to “go for it” is a reminder that opportunities often lie where you least expect them.