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Computing is everywhere in modern life, whether it be as mundane as checking friends on a social network or as sophisticated as weather forecasting. More fundamentally, computational thinking has contributed to a broad spectrum of problems, from music composition to drug design. The computer science department at Princeton offers undergraduates courses in the core areas of computer science and in an array of application and interdisciplinary areas. Because computational thinking is so important, we want to provide every Princeton undergraduate with at least one course in computer science. Because of the broad range of topics within computer science and the diverse interests of undergraduates, students may major in computer science through either the A.B. or B.S.E. degree program. We are the only department in the university with this flexibility. Beyond a small core set of courses, students are free to design their own program within a framework that insures in-depth exposure to algorithms and theoretical computer science, computer system design, and applications. Another important aspect of the curriculum is independent work. Each student does at least one design or research project advised by a member of the faculty. This gives students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research or entrepreneurial product design. Many projects are interdisciplinary. For students who would like to study computer science in earnest, but secondary to another discipline, we also offer the Certificate Program in Applications of Computing.
Academic record is evaluated within the context of your educational system and school curriculum. Your academic record should include any available internal grades from classes, achieved marks from external exams (for example: (I)GCSE, British A-Level, International Baccalaureate, national leaving exams such as Std X/Std XII in India), or a combination of both.
If English is not your native language and you are attending a school where English is not the language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). You are not required to take the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic if English is your native language or if you have spent at least three years at a secondary school where English is the primary language of instruction.