Princeton University: How to Get in

Mission Statement

“Princeton University advances learning through scholarship, research, and teaching of unsurpassed quality, with an emphasis on undergraduate and doctoral education that is distinctive among the world's great universities, and with a pervasive commitment to serve the nation and the world.”

Admission Statistics

Princeton’s acceptance rate is just 5.7%, making it one of the most selective and competitive schools in the US.

• Acceptance Rate: 5.7%
• SAT: 1530-1580 (Middle 50%)
• ACT: 34-35 (Middle 50%)

Eligibility

Princeton accepts International students, with 14% of their students being non-US citizens. There is no preference for US citizens or in-state students.

Proof of English proficiency is required, either through native ability, attendance at an English-language school, or testing. All required application materials need to be officially translated in English.

Notable Undergraduate Programs

Princeton Princeton University’s undergraduate curriculum is renowned for its rigorous academic structure and emphasis on independent research. One of the key aspects of Princeton's curriculum is the requirement for all students to complete a senior thesis or, in some fields, a substantial independent project. This capstone experience allows students to deeply explore a topic of their choice under the guidance of faculty advisors.

General Education Requirements

• Distribution Requirements: Students must complete courses across several disciplines, including literature and the arts, historical analysis, social analysis, epistemology and cognition, ethical thought and moral values, quantitative reasoning, and science and technology.
• First-Year Writing Seminar: All first-year students are required to take a writing seminar designed to develop their writing and critical thinking skills early in their college career.
• Junior Paper (JP): In addition to the senior thesis, many departments require juniors to complete one or more independent research projects known as the Junior Paper. This prepares students for the more extensive research they will undertake in their senior year.

Princeton’s Precept System

A distinctive feature of Princeton's educational approach, the preceptorial system, involves small discussion groups that supplement lectures. This system encourages active participation and deeper understanding of course material through discussion and debate.

Notable Schools

1. Princeton School of Public and International Affairs: This program is highly regarded for its interdisciplinary approach to studying public policy and international affairs, combining rigorous academic coursework with practical policy applications.
2. School of Engineering and Applied Science: Known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, this school offers programs in fields such as computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, with numerous opportunities for hands-on research and collaboration with faculty.
3. Princeton Environmental Institute: This interdisciplinary center addresses global environmental challenges and offers students the chance to engage in research and policy studies related to environmental science and sustainability.

Study Abroad and Language Programs

Princeton encourages global education through a variety of study abroad programs and language immersion opportunities. The university offers numerous options and funding for students to study in different countries, enhancing their global perspective and language skills.

Make sure you are aware of all that Princeton has to offer. Showcasing your knowledge of Princeton’s programs and unique features will help your application stand out.

Selection Factors

GPA and Test Scores

The average Princeton student has a GPA of 3.9 or higher, which is a tough score to beat. However, you can offset a lower GPA with an overall strong application. Your extracurriculars, college essay, test scores and recommendation letters can all help push your application into the running for an acceptance letter. You should also focus on writing a stellar supplemental essays to demonstrate excellent writing skills, something which Princeton prizes. The better and more writing samples you can offer, the more likely you are to stand out even with a lower GPA or lower test scores.

If you’re planning on taking the SAT or ACT, Princeton accepts students with a middle 50% score of 1530-1580 for the SAT and 34-35 for the ACT. These are just average ranges, but if you score below these, consider retaking the test to submit a higher final score. To really stand out, you’ll want to submit something above average on your application. The school does not require you to take the SAT or any other standardized test, but you should still consider taking these tests and submitting your scores if you achieve a good score.

Coursework

While Princeton does not have formal course requirements, they do have recommended coursework. You should aim to have all the recommended courses and if not the reason why should be included in your application (i.e. not offered at your school or you focused on a specialized topic).

Here are their recommended courses:

• Four years of English.
• Four years of mathematics (including calculus for students interested in engineering).
• Four years of an additional language.
• At least two years of a laboratory science (including physics and chemistry for students interested in engineering).
• At least two years of history.

Extracurriculars

As far as extracurricular activities, Princeton likes to see a commitment to these on any application they receive. Especially if you have demonstrated a strong commitment throughout your high school years or achieved a position of leadership, include it in your application. The area of interest doesn’t matter as long as you can show that you involved yourself fully in the activity and demonstrated teamwork, passion and leadership.

Remember that quality always trumps quantity. Princeton is not looking for a list of dozens of activities with no clear narrative. Think about what you are passionate about and how your extracurriculars can show that.

Princeton Primary Essay

Writing a strong personal essay for Princeton is required to get in, even if you have stellar grades and extracurriculars. Your essay is your time to shine and show why you are unique and belong at Princeton. You should write compelling narrative that focuses on your strengths and explains any potential weaknesses.

Remember, this should be specific to Princeton. You could talk about your breadth of academic passions are well-suited to Princeton’s liberal arts focus. You could also highlight programs or institutions you are excited to work at in Princeton. Make sure your essay stands out and is only applicable to Princeton!

Princeton Supplementary Essays

The Princeton Supplement includes extra short essay questions which students must answer in a set word count. You’ll be required to write several short college essays, so brush up on your writing skills and sharpen your pencil. We’ll outline the components of the Princeton Supplement below.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Applicants or Undecided Applicants

Students are asked to answer the following in around 250 words:

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? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Degree Applicants

Students are asked to write a short essay on the following prompt in around 250 words: 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. (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

Extracurricular Activity and Work Experience

In about 150 words, students are asked to describe an activity, organization, work experience or hobby that has been particularly meaningful. For this part of the application, try not to repeat any information you included in your high school resume or common app activities section. After choosing your most meaningful experience, elaborate on it in this section only, leaving it only in listed form or bullet points in any other part of the application.

Your Voice

Princeton provides two optional essay prompts. Focus on sharp writing skills, insight and deep thought for your answers here.

More About You

In 50 words or less, provide a brief answer to these questions. Be honest, and be yourself!

• What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
• What brings you joy?
• What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

Arts Supplement

Students who are gifted in one or more art form who wish to have their work or accomplishments considered as part of their application can also submit an arts supplement. For students interested in architecture, creative writing, dance, music, theater or visual arts, they can submit an example of their accomplishments to Princeton as part of their complete application.

Graded Written Paper

As part of the Princeton Supplement, you’ll also be asked to submit a graded written paper. This can be any paper of at least two pages, written during your high school years and graded by a teacher. Preferably, the paper will be written for English, social studies or history course subjects, but this is flexible.

Letters of Recommendation

The following letters are required for the Princeton application:

• School Report. Please ask your school counselor or other school official to complete and submit this form.
• Counselor Recommendation. The School report and the Counselor Recommendation are separate items.
• Two Teacher Recommendations. Two letters from teachers who have taught you in a higher-level subject. The subjects should be in core academic areas, such as English, language, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences or mathematics.

Make sure your school counselor knows there are two components to fill out. When asking for reference letters from your teachers, make sure you ask teachers from different areas of study to show breadth. It is also advantageous to have teachers who have known you for a longer period of time or who have supervised you in extracurriculars.

Princeton Admission Interviews

Princeton Interviews are optional and they stress that not interviewing will not put you at a disadvantage. Interview invites will go out after the admissions office has received a completed application if you do not opt-out of interviews. Additionally, interviews are only conducted in person and are subject to availability of alumni in your area. If you are not “invited” to an interview do not stress, this will not negatively affect your application!

If you do choose to interview, you will meet with an alumnus for a short informal 30-45 minute interview. It is still a good idea for you to prepare for the Princeton interview as this is a good networking opportunity and may help push your application over the edge.

For one, this is likely to be the first professional interview you’ve attended, so invest in college interview prep and practice your answers to college interview questions, which can help you develop these essential professional skills.

Finally, the college interview is a chance for Princeton to get to know you and for you to show them why you should be accepted. Tell them why you chose Princeton and how you’ll contribute to the school’s community if you are accepted. While this interview is not the most important factor is the admissions decision, it is one that can edge you slightly above other applicants if you prepare! 

Princeton Application 

Princeton is among the schools which use the Common App for college applications, although they also accept the Coalition App. Princeton also requires the Princeton Supplement package as part of your application, which can be filled out and submitted online through your chosen application platform.

Princeton uses single-choice early action and regular decision application formats. If you choose to apply through early action decision, you may also defer your application to the regular decision pool. However, make sure you understand that if you apply for the single-choice early action program you are committed to attending Princeton. If you are admitted through this program you are bound to attend Princeton and to withdraw your applications from all other schools.

Princeton Application Timeline

Below we’ve outlined a full timeline of Princeton’s application important dates and deadlines for all types of applications.

Acceptance, Waitlist, Deferral Information

Students typically receive their acceptance by mid-December for Early Action or April for Regular Decision applicants. If you have not received information, you can contact the admissions office, but be advised if you were an Early Action applicant the final decision may have been deferred to the Regular Decision pool. This does not mean you won’t be accepted, just that the admissions board decided to defer the consideration of your application.

Princeton uses an unranked waitlist for all its admission decisions. If spaces become available after May 1, students will be chosen and accepted from off the waitlist. If you are placed on the waitlist, the school will notify you of this and inform you of the final admission decision after May 1.

Tuition and Funding

Tuition is $57,410, not including personal and accommodation costs.

Housing costs are estimated to be $11,910 per year, with food costs at an additional $8,340. The vast majority of Princeton students stay on campus and use a Princeton dining plan.

Princeton includes an additional $4,050 for books, personal expenses, and transportation.

The total cost to attend Princeton per year is calculated at $86,700 and that is the basis for their financial aid calculations. You are not expected to take out any loans to cover any portion of this calculated cost.

If you are an international student wondering how to study in the US, you will also need to take into account any travel costs and accommodation costs that may be necessary. It may be worth considering hiring an international student advisor or college admissions consultant to guide you on the admissions process too. 

Funding Opportunities 

As with many Ivy League schools, Princeton aims to be affordable and provides financial aid options to its students. Approximately 60% of undergraduate students are receiving financial aid from the university. 

Princeton’s average grants cover over 100% of the costs of tuition, with the average grant totaling $70,500. Princeton has a no-loan policy, meaning financial aid grants do not need to be paid back, allowing a majority of its students to graduate with no school debt. 

Princeton states that families earning under $65,000 a year are eligible for financial aid, including a grant which covers the full cost of a student’s tuition, room and board on campus. Over 98% of students live on campus at Princeton, where they save on accommodation costs. 

As with many schools, Princeton encourages all eligible students to apply through the financial aid calculate how much aid they qualify for online through their website calculator. For international students, there are also international student scholarship consultants who can point you towards the best funding opportunities for students studying abroad. 

Notable Faculty 

Among Princeton’s notable alumni are U.S. Presidents James Madison and Woodrow Wilson, First Lady Michelle Obama, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Current notable faculty include Nobel laureate in Economics Paul Krugman, renowned philosopher Peter Singer, and influential historian Sean Wilentz. Being able to take classes with some of the world’s current top academics is certainly a draw for Princeton. 

Campus and Faculty 

Princeton’s campus, located in Princeton, New Jersey, spans 600 acres and is renowned for its Gothic architecture, beautiful grounds, and historic buildings, including iconic structures such as Nassau Hall, the oldest building on campus, and the Princeton University Chapel, an example of Gothic design. The campus features extensive green spaces, including Cannon Green and the serene Lake Carnegie. Given most students live on campus Princeton is the perfect place for you if you are seeking the classic University experience in a beautiful setting. 

Contact Information 

Official Website: https://admission.princeton.edu/ 

The Princeton undergraduate admissions office can be reached by phone at 609-258-3060 or by email at [email protected]. 

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

Disclaimer: BeMo does not endorse or affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. The content has been developed based on the most recent publicly available data provided from the official university website. However, you should always check the statistics/requirements with the official school website for the most up to date information. You are responsible for your own results. 

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