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Princeton University is one of the most iconic and selective universities in the world. Founded in 1746, it’s the fourth-oldest college in the United States and is known for its gorgeous Gothic campus, tight-knit residential college system, and a commitment to undergraduate teaching that rivals any school in the Ivy League. If you’re drawn to a place with deep traditions, serious intellectual curiosity, and unparalleled academic resources, Princeton might be your perfect fit.
If you’re thinking about applying, it’s smart to understand how Princeton’s admissions process works and how to craft a standout application. This guide breaks down the deadlines, application pieces, and tips to help you shine in Princeton’s ultra-competitive applicant pool.
Princeton is one of the toughest schools to get into — most applicants have exceptional grades, scores, and accomplishments. Here’s a quick look at admissions numbers for the Class of 2028:
Middle 50% SAT Scores:
Middle 50% ACT Scores:
Average GPA of Admitted Students: 3.95
Secondary School Type Breakdown (Class of 2028):
Fun Fact: Princeton has one of the highest undergraduate endowments per student in the country.
You’ll start by filling out the Common App or Coalition App, including personal details, academic records, activities, and the 650-word personal essay.
In addition to your personal essay, Princeton asks for a few short-answer responses and one longer essay. These questions are your chance to show personality, voice, and reflection.
2024–2025 Supplementary Prompts and Princeton-Specific Questions:
A.B. Degree Applicants (non-Engineering):
As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? (250-word limit)
B.S.E. Degree Applicants:
Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the university suit your particular interests. (250-word limit)
Tip: Princeton’s prompts tend to lean thoughtful and introspective. Be sincere, reflective, and don’t be afraid to get a little philosophical.
Submitted by your school counselor, this includes:
Once your first-semester senior-year grades are available, your counselor will send them to Princeton in February.
Two academic teacher recommendations are required. Princeton requests that you ask teachers who have taught you in higher-level courses (e.g., AP, IB Higher/Standard Level, A-Levels, etc.) in different academic areas of study.
Princeton remains test-optional for first-year applicants applying in the fall of 2025.
Applicants should take the SAT or ACT by the October test date for Single-Choice Early Action and the December date for Regular Decision.
Princeton is one of the few top schools that asks for this — you’ll need to submit a graded essay or research paper from an academic course, preferably in history or English, with your teacher’s comments. They want to see how you write and argue ideas in a classroom setting.
For students who have excelled in architecture, creative writing, dance, music, musical theater, theater, or visual arts, Princeton allows students to submit an arts supplement through its application portal. This is only necessary if you have materials to show that will enhance your application.
Princeton offers optional alumni interviews. Interviews take place after the Admission Office has received your application.
Applying to Princeton takes careful planning, honest self-reflection, and a strong narrative that makes the case for why Princeton needs a student like you. While the process is competitive, Princeton’s admissions process is holistic — they really do care about who you are and what your potential is, not just what you’ve accomplished.
Start early, give yourself time to revise your essays, and stay organized with deadlines. Be thoughtful, be genuine, and remember there’s no single formula for getting in. They’re looking for people who will enrich and challenge their community in all kinds of ways.
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
Princeton University is one of the most iconic and selective universities in the world. Founded in 1746, it’s the fourth-oldest college in the United States and is known for its gorgeous Gothic campus, tight-knit residential college system, and a commitment to undergraduate teaching that rivals any school in the Ivy League. If you’re drawn to a place with deep traditions, serious intellectual curiosity, and unparalleled academic resources, Princeton might be your perfect fit.
If you’re thinking about applying, it’s smart to understand how Princeton’s admissions process works and how to craft a standout application. This guide breaks down the deadlines, application pieces, and tips to help you shine in Princeton’s ultra-competitive applicant pool.
Princeton is one of the toughest schools to get into — most applicants have exceptional grades, scores, and accomplishments. Here’s a quick look at admissions numbers for the Class of 2028:
Middle 50% SAT Scores:
Middle 50% ACT Scores:
Average GPA of Admitted Students: 3.95
Secondary School Type Breakdown (Class of 2028):
Fun Fact: Princeton has one of the highest undergraduate endowments per student in the country.
You’ll start by filling out the Common App or Coalition App, including personal details, academic records, activities, and the 650-word personal essay.
In addition to your personal essay, Princeton asks for a few short-answer responses and one longer essay. These questions are your chance to show personality, voice, and reflection.
2024–2025 Supplementary Prompts and Princeton-Specific Questions:
A.B. Degree Applicants (non-Engineering):
As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? (250-word limit)
B.S.E. Degree Applicants:
Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the university suit your particular interests. (250-word limit)
Tip: Princeton’s prompts tend to lean thoughtful and introspective. Be sincere, reflective, and don’t be afraid to get a little philosophical.
Submitted by your school counselor, this includes:
Once your first-semester senior-year grades are available, your counselor will send them to Princeton in February.
Two academic teacher recommendations are required. Princeton requests that you ask teachers who have taught you in higher-level courses (e.g., AP, IB Higher/Standard Level, A-Levels, etc.) in different academic areas of study.
Princeton remains test-optional for first-year applicants applying in the fall of 2025.
Applicants should take the SAT or ACT by the October test date for Single-Choice Early Action and the December date for Regular Decision.
Princeton is one of the few top schools that asks for this — you’ll need to submit a graded essay or research paper from an academic course, preferably in history or English, with your teacher’s comments. They want to see how you write and argue ideas in a classroom setting.
For students who have excelled in architecture, creative writing, dance, music, musical theater, theater, or visual arts, Princeton allows students to submit an arts supplement through its application portal. This is only necessary if you have materials to show that will enhance your application.
Princeton offers optional alumni interviews. Interviews take place after the Admission Office has received your application.
Applying to Princeton takes careful planning, honest self-reflection, and a strong narrative that makes the case for why Princeton needs a student like you. While the process is competitive, Princeton’s admissions process is holistic — they really do care about who you are and what your potential is, not just what you’ve accomplished.
Start early, give yourself time to revise your essays, and stay organized with deadlines. Be thoughtful, be genuine, and remember there’s no single formula for getting in. They’re looking for people who will enrich and challenge their community in all kinds of ways.
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.
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