If you’re planning to apply to Princeton University, you might be wondering whether it’s better to apply Early Action or Regular Decision — and whether one round gives you a better shot. While Princeton has historically shared some application data, in recent years they’ve moved away from releasing detailed breakdowns. Princeton’s lack of transparency makes answering these questions trickier, but not impossible to navigate. Let’s unpack what we know — and what it means for your strategy.

Princeton Acceptance Rate: Class of 2028

Princeton received 40,468 total applications for the Class of 2028 and admitted 1,868 students, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 4.62%.

Here’s what we don’t know: the exact acceptance rates for Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) vs. Regular Decision. Princeton has not released official round-by-round data for several years. That includes the Class of 2028.

Some independent sources have estimated that Princeton admits around 700–750 students in the early round, from an early applicant pool in the ballpark of 6,500–7,000. That would suggest an Early Action admit rate potentially in the 10–11% range — but again, this is not confirmed by Princeton and should be taken as an approximation, not a guarantee.

Does Applying Early to Princeton Help?

Historically, yes — applying Early Action has come with a statistical advantage. The last available data from Princeton Admissions indicates that for the Class of 2024, the Early Action acceptance rate was 15.8%, compared to 3.7% for Regular Decision. The five years prior to this showed similar trends.

So yes, statistically it is in your favor, but there are some caveats to consider:

• The Early Action pool tends to be stronger on average. It includes many legacy applicants, recruited athletes, and students who have selected Princeton as their top choice and have spent months preparing their applications.
• Princeton’s SCEA program is non-binding but restrictive — you can’t apply early to other private universities. Because it is non-binding, it is an attractive choice for many top candidates.
• A higher admit rate doesn’t mean it’s easier; it means the pool is more self-selecting.

If Princeton is your top choice and your application is ready by the November 1 Early Action deadline, applying early still makes strategic sense. It demonstrates clear interest and may give you a slightly better shot — even if we can’t put an exact percentage on it.

Who Got Into the Princeton Class of 2028?

Princeton hasn’t yet released a full class profile for the Class of 2028, but here’s what the university shared:

• Total enrolled: 1,411
• Gender breakdown: 50.8% female, 49.2% male

Middle 50% SAT Scores:

• Math: 770–800
• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 740–780

Middle 50% ACT Scores:

• Composite Score: 34–35

Secondary School Type:

• Public schools: 64.2%
• Independent day schools: 16.7%
• Religiously affiliated schools: 9.9%
• Non-U.S. schools: 11.1%
• Independent boarding schools: 8.2%
• Home-schooled: Less than 1%
• Military: Less than 1%

What About the Class of 2029 Acceptance Rate?

If you’re applying to Princeton’s Class of 2029 (students entering in Fall 2025), you might notice there’s been no public data yet on Early Action or Regular Decision rounds. That’s intentional — Princeton no longer releases real-time admissions data and instead plans to publish it in fall 2025, when it’s required to report the numbers to the U.S. Department of Education.

When they do finally publish their data, it is unlikely they will release specific Early Action vs. Regular Decision statistics.

Final Thoughts: Should You Apply Early or Regular to Princeton?

If you’re ready by the Early Action deadline and you genuinely want to attend Princeton, applying early is a smart move. Even though Princeton doesn’t release exact EA vs. RD acceptance rates anymore, historical data and strategic logic still point toward Early Action offering a modest edge — especially for students who are truly prepared and have done their research.

Just remember: it’s still Princeton. Whether you apply early or regular, the most important factor is submitting a compelling, authentic, and well-thought-out application that reflects your voice and values.

Need Help With Your Princeton Application?

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!

‍