Once admitted to a postgraduate programme at Princeton University, students begin a rigorous academic path that includes formal enrollment, milestone examinations, dissertation work, and continuous progress monitoring. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect after your application is accepted.

Semester Sign-In and Enrollment Status

Each term, students must complete semester sign-in to confirm their enrollment. This process ensures:

1. Active participation in academic activities
2. Access to university resources
3. Eligibility for funding and housing

Students are assigned an enrollment status based on their academic stage:

1. Enrolled: Actively pursuing coursework or research
2. In Absentia: Approved off-campus study or research
3. Leave of Absence: Temporary break from studies
4. Degree Completion Enrollment (DCE): Final stage for completing dissertation

Maintaining the correct status is essential for academic standing and financial support.

Annual Reenrollment

Graduate students must complete annual reenrollment to continue in their programme. This includes:

1. Adviser evaluations
2. Departmental review of academic progress
3. Submission of reenrollment forms

Failure to reenroll may result in loss of student status.

General Examination

The general exam is a major milestone for Ph.D. students, typically taken by the end of the second or third year. It assesses:

1. Mastery of the field
2. Readiness for independent research

Passing the general exam transitions students into the dissertation phase. Some departments may award an incidental master’s degree upon successful completion of the exam, even if the student continues toward a Ph.D.

Dissertation and Final Public Oral Examination (FPO)

After passing the general exam, students begin work on their dissertation, which must:

1. Present original research
2. Contribute meaningfully to the discipline

Once the dissertation is approved, students prepare for the Final Public Oral Examination (FPO). This is a formal defense of the dissertation and the final requirement for the Ph.D. degree. Preparation includes:

1. Submitting the dissertation to the Graduate School
2. Scheduling the FPO with the department
3. Meeting formatting and submission deadlines

Continuous Academic Progress

Throughout the programme, students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, which includes:

1. Meeting departmental milestones
2. Engaging in regular advising
3. Staying on track for timely degree completion

Departments monitor progress and may recommend academic support or changes in status if needed.

Reference Section:

1. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/degrees-requirements/general-exam
2. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/degrees-requirements/general-exam/incidental-master%E2%80%99s-degree
3. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/degrees-requirements/dissertation-fpo
4. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/degrees-requirements/preparing-final-public-oral-examination
5. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/enrollment-status-progress/semester-sign
6. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/enrollment-status-progress/enrollment-statuses
7. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/enrollment-status-progress/reenrollment
8. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/degrees-requirements
9. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/enrollment-status-progress