Letters to the Editor

Common application lacks personality

Regarding 'University should keep its personality as it expands' (Monday, Feb. 7, 2005):

While I wholeheartedly support the University's decision to expand enrollment, I could not agree more with the 'Prince' in its position against the recently dumbed-down version of the Princeton application for admission.

Perhaps it is my nostalgia for Old Nassau or the fact that I was one of Dean Fred's students, but the process of applying to Princeton was in many ways my first introduction to this special place. Personable, thought-provoking and unique, Dean Fred's application stressed fit as well as academic and extracurricular prowess, and challenged prospective students to look carefully at themselves as they answered the questions. The common application, for all its convenience, simply fails in this regard. Copying and pasting one's way into the best school in the country is not what should become the norm. Admittedly, the old application took some additional time, but when I completed it, not only was I sure I had presented a complete picture of myself, but I was certain that if Princeton itself was half as thorough and as challenging as its admissions essays, that I was certain to enjoy my time there.

During my sophomore year, I had the pleasure of meeting the famed Dean Fred in person. Eager to test the rumor that he supposedly remembered something about each admitted student's application, I introduced myself and immediately put him to the test. He looked at me, asked me where I was from and then paused to think for a second. Then he recited my answer to the first essay question. "It was a good one," he told me with a smile.

So to Janet Rapelye, I level that same challenge: continue with the Common Application and see if you can recall something unique about each student you admit. I would certainly be surprised if you could.

Patrick A. Sullivan '02

Complaints about pickups are excessive

Regarding 'Forbes vandalized in pickups' (Friday, Feb. 4, 2005):

I felt the need to write to you about the recent uproar over the "vandalism" in Forbes. The backlash that has come from what occurred the night of pickups is excessive. In my experience as a member of Forbes, it is not uncommon to see people kicking over garbage cans on Thursday or Saturday nights. People can drink enough alcohol to land themselves in McCosh any night of the week, regardless of whether it is pickups or not. Let me express that I am by no means condoning excessive drinking or the destruction of property. I am merely saying that it is necessary to recognize that while the process of pickups is somewhat unique, the behavior that is the cause for all the complaints is not, yet no letters to the editor or 'Prince' articles are written every time someone in Forbes drinks too much or turns over a trash can.

Additionally, J.W. Victor's comments could not be more accurate. As a resident of the Forbes addition last year, I clearly remember eating club members filling the courtyard the night of pickups. A simple explanation from our RA was enough to quell any unspoken fears, clear up any confusion and turn us into enthusiastic observers whose thoughts turned to what our own pickups would be like the following year. Perhaps if the RAs who are so quick to point fingers at the eating clubs for following tradition had done the same with their freshman advisees, none of them would have felt "intimidated and threatened."

Kirsten Ruch '07