Opinion

The real economics of choosing a major

Whenever today's college students tell people back home (especially of older generations) about what they’re majoring in, the inevitable response (either direct or implied by snide facial expressions) is usually either “good for you; that’ll really put you on the fast track” or “what are you going to do with that after you graduate?” For most people whose major is not an obvious moneymaker, a common justification (though certainly not the only one) is moral or philosophical, something along the lines of "life’s too short" or "I’d always regret it." I think a better justification can be found in economics. Before the mid-20thcentury, conventional economic wisdom said that most people behave as "wealth-maximizers" and, given a choice, would choose the path that gave them the most expected money.

On your mark

I had a rough start one morning, so I decided to catch the bus from Whitman to Clio Hall to make it to my opening shift at Marquand Library.

Cartoon: Overconfidence

No place for stereotypes

For anyone who is a fan of the dying art that is late-night comedy, you might be aware of “Saturday Night Live” member Kenan Thompson’s slightly controversial interview in which he explains why he thinks the show has yet to cast a black female.

Selling Princeton

I recently had the pleasure of attending a small dinner lecture delivered by W. Barksdale Maynard ’88 on the topic of Princeton’s architectural history, from which I gleaned many a delightful tidbit of information about this place that we students from all four corners of the earth have come to call home.

Lending our support

Last week, The Daily Princetonian published a news article about a petition circulated by graduate students that opposed the demolition of the Butler Apartments.

The stigma of competition

Since President Eisgruber announced his intention to create a committee to re-evaluate the controversial policy known as grade deflation, the initial furor (or excitement, or even optimism, might be better words) among the student body has largely settled down.

Two models of mentorship

Toward the beginning of this academic year, Shawon Jackson sent out an email to the class of 2017 asking if they would like to participate in the Princeton Women’s Mentorship Program, now entering its third year.

Editorial: Midsemester evaluations

As students prepare to choose classes for the spring semester, course reviews become increasingly important.

A P/D/F Thanksgiving

Cartoon: Cold

Editorial: Defending free speech on campus

Recently, former New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly was asked to speak at Brown University about the controversial policy of “Stop and Frisk,” which he had helped to implement during the Bloomberg Administration.

Money for rankings

This Monday, the Editorial Board conditionally endorsed the White House’s college ranking system and its plan to award Pell Grants based on these rankings.

Outside the Bubble: Five things you need to know about energy

Talking energy is like talking pop culture these days. I keep having the same type of conversation, and I keep running into the same kinds of misconceptions about the field.

Cartoon: Hungry for politics

Outside the Bubble: The Republican road to victory

Millennials grew up hearing about American exceptionalism, mostly in the context of its decline. Unfortunately, the past several months and years have only added to the pessimistic narrative.

Modern couples

I love to people-watch, especially when I am in unfamiliar places. So, naturally, when my boyfriend and I finished up our lunch during our day trip to Sedona, I was content to simply observe as my food digested.

The myth of the mentor

Society tells us that young, impressionable and impressive undergraduates like ourselves should have mentors.

Letter to the Editor: Nov. 6, 2013

Pyne Prize nominations I write to solicit nominations for the Pyne Prize, the highest general distinction the University confers upon an undergraduate, which will be awarded on Alumni Day, Saturday, Feb.

Cartoon: Well-Endowed