Admissions Overview
From Princeton University
During the admission process, our goal is to find students who will thrive in Princeton’s rigorous academic environment. With this in mind, we offer a suggested course of study to help students prepare for Princeton. We are a community of learning that is enriched by the wide range of experiences and perspectives of our students, faculty and staff. Undergraduate students benefit from the extraordinary resources of a world-class research institution dedicated to undergraduate teaching.
Whenever you can, challenge yourself with the most rigorous courses possible, such as honors, Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-enrollment courses. We will evaluate the International Baccalaureate (IB), A-levels or another diploma in the context of the program’s curriculum.
Consult your school adviser or counselor to plan a program to help you succeed at whatever college or university you attend.
Coalition Colleges
Princeton is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Princeton via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does Princeton have a supplemental essay?
Yes, applicants to Princeton University will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Princeton Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Princeton test-optional?
Princeton University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Princeton University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Princeton University receive between a 33 and a 35 on their ACT, or a 1455 and a 1580 on their SAT.
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Princeton?
Students must apply by January 1 to enroll at Princeton during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
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Is Princeton University need-blind?
Yes, Princeton University has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.