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Step-by-Step Guide for
Educational and Career Development
This section is meant to be a resource for:
1) Princeton thesis students
2) undergraduate students who are getting started with research
3) rising seniors thinking of applying to graduate school, or looking to enter the workforce.
Jump to the section that is relevant for you!
1
Princeton Thesis Students Timeline
Junior Year (First Semester)
What is a junior paper?
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Decide what topic you want to research and select an adviser.
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How do I come up with a topic?
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How do I develop a research question?
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How do I choose an adviser? Look at the faculty page!
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Deadline for Fall adviser selection, Sep. 23rd ​
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Deadline for Spring adviser selection, Dec. 23rd
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JP midpoint presentation Week of Oct. 31st
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Casual 10 min. presentation on progress​
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Fall JP Jan. 10th
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2,500-5,000 word paper​
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Junior Year (Second Semester)
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Spring midpoint presentation (same as Fall), Week of Mar. 20th
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Spring JP Apr. 25th
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20-40 Page Paper​
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JP Tips from Princeton Undergrads
The JP is the backbone of the senior thesis and provides the foundation for the development of the thesis.
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It’s a good idea to find a topic you’re actually interested in, and investigate that topic rigorously.
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The JP is what you make of it, and the more you make of it, the easier your thesis will be.
Senior Year (First Semester)
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Deadline for Fall adviser selection, Sep. 23rd
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Deadline for senior thesis funding proposal, early October (for Fall break)
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Deadline for senior thesis funding proposal, early November (for Wintersession)
Senior Year (Second Semester)
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Suggested date to send thesis draft to your adviser, Mar. 6th
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Deadline to submit senior thesis second reader preferences, Apr. 7th
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Deadline to submit final senior thesis, Apr. 24th (11:59 pm)
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Deadline to upload final senior thesis to Thesis Central, May 1st
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Departmental examinations, May 8th-12th
SP Tips from Princeton Undergrads
Since there are not many hard deadlines, try to maintain progress by dedicating blocks of time to thesis-work.
2
Undergraduate Researchers
Thinking of doing independent research?
Decide what topic you want to research and select an adviser.
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Learn about your topic by conducting a literature review!
Now you can develop a hypothesis!
Now you need to collect data and analyze it
Time to create your study design!
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Now get it approved...
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The IRB process & IRB resources.
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Get your work out there!
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Submit your work to a research conference.
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Prepare it for publication.
Seniors
Post Graduation Plans
Not sure what to do after you graduate? Read this article for some suggestions. You can also...
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try meeting with your adviser and professors whose classes you enjoyed. Try asking them about their academic journey and any advice they have.
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reach out to peers who graduated last year and ask them what they are currently doing, and why they made that decision.
Preparing for Grad School
You have decided to go to graduate school, great!
1) Look into funding sources.
2) Save for the move! Relocating is expensive so it is great to plan ahead.
Check out Duke University's tips on being a strong candidate!
Taking a Gap Year?
Entering the Workforce
Check out these tips on how to successfully land a job after college!
1) Create an elevator pitch.
​2) Build your resume and curriculum vitae.
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Tips on perfecting your resume.
3) Check out these job search websites!​
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Apply with a cover letter.
4) Prepare for interviews.
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Send out thank you emails after!
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