How To Get Into Princeton: The Ultimate Guide

man studying to get into princeton
May 17, 2023
Contents

”Mary

Reviewed by:

Mary Banks

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/17/23

If Princeton is your dream school, read on to learn more about applying, how to prep for the Princeton interview, and more for your best shot at acceptance.

Princeton University is a prestigious institution, and part of the Ivy League. According to U.S News, it ranks as the #1 best national university, making it an attractive option for prospective applicants. 

Below you will find all of the Princeton requirements you need to know, as well as median Princeton SAT scores and GPA, Princeton University’s acceptance rate, how to prepare for the Princeton interview and much more.

Creating an undergraduate application from scratch can seem intimidating, but that’s why we’re here to cover everything you need to know about how to get into Princeton. Let’s get started!

Princeton Requirements 

Princeton admissions requirements

Princeton asks that prospective students complete all requirements listed in the school’s admissions guide. 

Mid-year Report, School Report, and Official Transcripts 

As part of your Princeton application, you must provide a: 

  • Mid-year report
  • School report
  • Official transcripts

The mid-year report details your senior grades in the middle of the school year. You need to ask a counselor to submit the form when your grades are available. The school report is a document your guidance counselor completes. The school report is usually sent with your official transcripts. 

Counselor and Teacher Recommendations 

Counselor and teacher recommendations hold significant weight in the application process. Remember to “invite” your guidance counselor to fill in the recommendation form.

Princeton requires two teacher recommendation forms from teachers who have taught you in higher-level courses, including AP, IB Higher/Standard Level, A-levels, or others. Your recommendations should come from teachers who teach in two different areas of study in core areas like: 

  • English
  • Foreign language
  • Humanities
  • Social sciences
  • Natural sciences
  • Math

Princeton GPA Requirements

Although Princeton does not explicitly state a required GPA for admission, Princeton’s average GPA  is 3.9. Achieving a GPA of 4.0 or close to it can absolutely improve your chances of admission, regardless of Princeton’s lack of GPA requirements. 

Princeton SAT Requirements 

Although Princeton currently has a test-optional policy, you can choose to submit SAT scores. However, there is no particular SAT score required to apply. 

According to Princeton’s class profile data, the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 760 - 800 in the SAT’s Math section and between 730 - 780 in the Evidence-based Reading and Writing section. Achieving scores toward the high end of these ranges will improve your chances. 

Princeton ACT Requirements 

There are no ACT cutoffs or requirements at Princeton. However, the middle 50% of students who submitted ACT scores achieved a composite score between 33 and 36. Shooting for the higher end of this range can give you a better shot at admission. 

TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic Scores

You’re required to take one of these tests if English isn’t your first language or you’re attending a school where English isn’t the language of instruction. These tests evaluate your English proficiency. 

Graded Written Paper

Princeton requires a graded written paper. This is a peculiar admissions requirement that you may not see at other universities. If you’ve already graduated, you need to contact your secondary school and obtain one of your graded papers for submission. 

Princeton Essays

Besides your personal statement, you’ll need to complete Princeton supplemental essays. You can check out the prompts here

Application Fee or Fee Waiver 

You must pay an application fee of $70 or get approved for a fee waiver. Princeton states that all low-income students are eligible for a fee waiver. 

Additional Materials 

You may choose to submit an Arts Supplement if you’ve excelled in artistic areas like:

  • Architecture
  • Creative writing
  • Dance
  • Music
  • Theater
  • Visual arts

This application element is optional, but if you have something you’d like to submit that showcases your talent, it’s likely in your best interest to do it! 

Princeton Acceptance Rate 

Princeton’s acceptance rate is 4.4%, and typically remains under 5%. Princeton’s reputation makes the school an attractive choice for prospective undergraduate applicants, which means your competition will be stiff.

Princeton Early Decision Acceptance Rate

Princeton’s early decision acceptance rate is 14.7%, which is more than three times higher than regular decision. 

Princeton Yield Rate 

A university’s yield rate refers to the number of admitted students that enroll. According to U.S. News, Princeton made the list of national universities where students were most likely to enroll in 2019.

Looking at Princeton’s recent class profile information, 1,647 applicants were admitted, and 1,345 enrolled. This means that Princeton’s recent yield rate is 81.7%

How Hard Is It to Get Into Princeton? 

Given its yield rate, we know that Princeton is a competitive university and that many applicants would happily jump at the opportunity to attend. Princeton’s acceptance rate is approximately 4.4%. 

That statistic can be discouraging to prospective applicants, but it’s important to note that these numbers only attest to the volume of applications, not their quality.

Princeton Interview 

Princeton offers optional alumni interviews but cannot guarantee that every applicant will be invited to participate. You may choose to opt out if you want to, but participating allows you to ask questions about life at Princeton. 

Princeton interviews are regarded more as a 30 to 45-minute-long informal conversation. Feel free to ask your interviewer questions and actively listen to their responses. Ensure that you take advantage of this time and ask questions you can’t find answers to online.

Your interview may be conducted in person or virtually, and what you talk about will probably go with the natural flow of the conversation. However, we do have a guide to Princeton Interview questions if you’d like to check out some possible questions you may be asked and how to answer them.

How to Apply to Princeton

These are the main steps to apply to Princeton: 

  1. Complete the Common Application or Coalition Application
  2. Ensure you fulfill all application requirements and gather all documents 
  3. Submit your application 
  4. Attend the Princeton interview if you receive an invitation 
  5. Wait for your admissions decision. 

Princeton Application Process and Deadlines 

If you’re applying under regular decision, there are some important deadlines you’ll need to know. These Princeton deadlines are subject to change, and it’s always in your best interest to double-check.

Deadline Description
Mid-August Application portals open, and the Princeton Supplement is available.
January 1 Princeton application deadline.
February 1 The Princeton Financial Aid Application is due
Late March You’ll receive your admissions decision.
May 1 Deadline to respond to your admissions offer.

Princeton Early Decision Dates 

Early Decision, or Single-Choice Early Action as it’s known at Princeton, means you can put your application together earlier and receive an earlier admissions decision. Below are the Princeton early decision deadlines you need to know:

Deadline Description
Mid-August Application portals open, and the Princeton Supplement is available.
November 1 Deadline to submit applications.
November 9 The Princeton Financial Aid Application is due.
Mid-December You’ll receive your admissions decision.
May 1 Deadline to respond to your admissions offer.

Source: Princeton

Refer back to these tables while you’re prepping your application so you never miss a deadline!

Tips to Get into Princeton

Tips to get into Princeton

Getting into Princeton can seem difficult, especially when acceptance statistics aren't exactly encouraging. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stand out.

Raise Your GPA and Achieve High Test Scores

Because getting into Princeton isn’t easy, you’ll want to ensure that you have the strongest grades and test scores you can manage before applying. If you’re still in high school, take high-level courses and perform well. A high GPA always bolsters your application. 

Regarding test scores, consider taking the SAT or ACT in your junior year or early in your senior year if you want to submit scores. You’ll have more time to retake them if you’re not pleased with your marks the first time. An SAT/ACT tutor can be an invaluable asset and help you boost these scores.

Pick Your Recommenders Wisely

Because you’re not in complete control of what goes in your recommendations, you should pick teachers with whom you’ve formed a meaningful relationship. 

If you’ve had the same teacher for more than one subject, this can add value to their recommendation because they’ve seen more of you, how you handle situations, and perform under pressure. Picking the right teacher can strengthen your candidacy, so ensure you choose those who will represent you well! 

Consider What Princeton Is Looking For 

Although you want to show your character and accomplishments, that doesn’t mean you can’t keep what Princeton is looking for in mind when you complete your application. 

Princeton states that the admissions committee is looking for students with “intellectual curiosity, who have pursued and achieved academic excellence. We also look for students with strong personal and extracurricular accomplishments.”

In your application, ensure you highlight: 

  • High-level courses you’ve taken 
  • Personal and extracurricular accomplishments
  • Leadership experiences
  • Community involvement

Princeton wants to see your involvement in your school, community, and family because it can help predict your future campus contributions. Remember, universities love when students are engaged and eager to participate in extracurricular activities.

How to Get Accepted at Princeton If…(A Personalized Roadmap) 

If you’re wondering how to boost your profile while addressing specific circumstances, we’ll outline how to remedy living out of state or having a low GPA or test scores. 

You Live Out of State

The Princeton application process is the same for out-of-state students. Although Princeton accepts the most students from New Jersey, the admissions committee states that all applications are reviewed similarly. 

Your GPA Is Low

A low GPA can be remedied in numerous ways: 

  • You can retake courses or attend summer school
  • Spending extra time perfecting your essay and application, highlighting your personal qualities, and showcasing extensive extracurricular experiences 
  • If you had a reason your GPA was low (needed to work, illness, etc.), you could write an optional essay describing how your GPA isn’t an accurate reflection of your academic ability

Your SAT/ACT Scores Are Low

If your SAT or ACT scores are lower than you’d like, you have options: 

  • You can choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores if Princeton is test-optional when you apply 
  • You can opt to retake either test 
  • You can spend extra time strengthening the rest of your application and achieve a high GPA

Remember, these circumstances don’t mean getting accepted at Princeton isn’t possible!

Should I Apply to Princeton? 

Whether or not you apply to Princeton is ultimately up to you, but know that it’s a prestigious school that can offer you an excellent education and undergraduate experience. If Princeton is your dream school, you should certainly apply! 

Sometimes students get hung up on school acceptance rates, and lower numbers can discourage some applicants from applying. We recommend never getting too hung up on admissions statistics.

Instead, consider what you have control over — your own application. If you spend enough time polishing and perfecting your application, you have a better chance of acceptance! 

FAQs: What Do You Need to Get Into Princeton?

If you still have questions about the Princeton application requirements and what you need to do to get in, read on. 

1. What Does Princeton Look For In Applicants? 

Princeton is looking for “students with intellectual curiosity, who have pursued and achieved academic excellence. [They] also look for students with strong personal and extracurricular accomplishments.” 

Emphasize your academic achievements and passions application to boost your chances of acceptance. 

2. Can I Get Into Princeton with a 3.5 GPA?

Although Princeton doesn’t release information on the high school GPAs of admitted students, a higher GPA will always bolster your application. A 3.5 GPA is by no means considered low, but Princeton is the top university in the U.S. 

It’s in your best interest to improve your GPA as much as you can if you’re still in high school. If boosting your GPA isn't possible or if you’ve already graduated, you can still get into Princeton with a 3.5 GPA, depending on the strength of your application. 

3. How Do I Stand Out in the Princeton Application Process?

There are numerous ways to stand out in any university application process. The first thing you could do is challenge yourself with high-level courses, achieve good grades, and earn strong SAT or ACT scores. 

Beyond scores and numbers, remember that the admissions process is holistic. By being authentic, demonstrating your initiative, and being passionate about the things you do, you can stand out.

4. When Should I Prepare for Princeton?

You should start preparing for your Princeton application as soon as possible. Starting early, even before your junior year, can give you time to think about activities and courses that will help you stand out.

Experience and skills can undoubtedly be an asset to you when it’s time to start sending off applications. 

5. What Extracurriculars Should I Have to Get Into Princeton?

Your extracurriculars should be tailored to your passions, and to activities surrounding those passions that demonstrate favorable traits. For example - simply taking piano lessons because you enjoy them is perfectly fine, but perhaps organizing a show or performing competitively would demonstrate more of your abilities.

Ultimately, you shouldn’t take part in activities you don’t enjoy because you think it’s what Princeton wants to see. Often, more unique and unheard of extracurriculars can help you stand out on your application. Simply focus on what your extracurriculars say about you as a person. 

Unlock Your Potential and Get Into Princeton

Applying to Princeton can be intimidating, but the payoff can be huge. Now that you know more about the school and how to apply, you know the Princeton requirements  and the steps you can take to strengthen your application. Good luck!


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Princeton RequirementsPrinceton Acceptance RatePrinceton InterviewHow to Apply to PrincetonPrinceton Application DeadlinesTips to Get Into PrincetonHow to Get Accepted at Princeton If…(A Personalized Roadmap)Should I Apply to Princeton?FAQs: What Do You Need to Get Into Princeton?

”Mary

Reviewed by:

Mary Banks

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/17/23

If Princeton is your dream school, read on to learn more about applying, how to prep for the Princeton interview, and more for your best shot at acceptance.

Princeton University is a prestigious institution, and part of the Ivy League. According to U.S News, it ranks as the #1 best national university, making it an attractive option for prospective applicants. 

Below you will find all of the Princeton requirements you need to know, as well as median Princeton SAT scores and GPA, Princeton University’s acceptance rate, how to prepare for the Princeton interview and much more.

Creating an undergraduate application from scratch can seem intimidating, but that’s why we’re here to cover everything you need to know about how to get into Princeton. Let’s get started!

Speak with a Princeton Admissions Expert About Your App + Essays. For Free.

Book a Free 30 min Call

Princeton Requirements 

Princeton admissions requirements

Princeton asks that prospective students complete all requirements listed in the school’s admissions guide. 

Mid-year Report, School Report, and Official Transcripts 

As part of your Princeton application, you must provide a: 

The mid-year report details your senior grades in the middle of the school year. You need to ask a counselor to submit the form when your grades are available. The school report is a document your guidance counselor completes. The school report is usually sent with your official transcripts. 

Counselor and Teacher Recommendations 

Counselor and teacher recommendations hold significant weight in the application process. Remember to “invite” your guidance counselor to fill in the recommendation form.

Princeton requires two teacher recommendation forms from teachers who have taught you in higher-level courses, including AP, IB Higher/Standard Level, A-levels, or others. Your recommendations should come from teachers who teach in two different areas of study in core areas like: 

Princeton GPA Requirements

Although Princeton does not explicitly state a required GPA for admission, Princeton’s average GPA  is 3.9. Achieving a GPA of 4.0 or close to it can absolutely improve your chances of admission, regardless of Princeton’s lack of GPA requirements. 

Princeton SAT Requirements 

Although Princeton currently has a test-optional policy, you can choose to submit SAT scores. However, there is no particular SAT score required to apply. 

According to Princeton’s class profile data, the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 760 - 800 in the SAT’s Math section and between 730 - 780 in the Evidence-based Reading and Writing section. Achieving scores toward the high end of these ranges will improve your chances. 

Princeton ACT Requirements 

There are no ACT cutoffs or requirements at Princeton. However, the middle 50% of students who submitted ACT scores achieved a composite score between 33 and 36. Shooting for the higher end of this range can give you a better shot at admission. 

TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic Scores

You’re required to take one of these tests if English isn’t your first language or you’re attending a school where English isn’t the language of instruction. These tests evaluate your English proficiency. 

Graded Written Paper

Princeton requires a graded written paper. This is a peculiar admissions requirement that you may not see at other universities. If you’ve already graduated, you need to contact your secondary school and obtain one of your graded papers for submission. 

Princeton Essays

Besides your personal statement, you’ll need to complete Princeton supplemental essays. You can check out the prompts here

Application Fee or Fee Waiver 

You must pay an application fee of $70 or get approved for a fee waiver. Princeton states that all low-income students are eligible for a fee waiver. 

Additional Materials 

You may choose to submit an Arts Supplement if you’ve excelled in artistic areas like:

This application element is optional, but if you have something you’d like to submit that showcases your talent, it’s likely in your best interest to do it! 

Princeton Acceptance Rate 

Princeton’s acceptance rate is 4.4%, and typically remains under 5%. Princeton’s reputation makes the school an attractive choice for prospective undergraduate applicants, which means your competition will be stiff.

Princeton Early Decision Acceptance Rate

Princeton’s early decision acceptance rate is 14.7%, which is more than three times higher than regular decision. 

Princeton Yield Rate 

A university’s yield rate refers to the number of admitted students that enroll. According to U.S. News, Princeton made the list of national universities where students were most likely to enroll in 2019.

Looking at Princeton’s recent class profile information, 1,647 applicants were admitted, and 1,345 enrolled. This means that Princeton’s recent yield rate is 81.7%

How Hard Is It to Get Into Princeton? 

Given its yield rate, we know that Princeton is a competitive university and that many applicants would happily jump at the opportunity to attend. Princeton’s acceptance rate is approximately 4.4%. 

That statistic can be discouraging to prospective applicants, but it’s important to note that these numbers only attest to the volume of applications, not their quality.

Princeton Interview 

Princeton offers optional alumni interviews but cannot guarantee that every applicant will be invited to participate. You may choose to opt out if you want to, but participating allows you to ask questions about life at Princeton. 

Princeton interviews are regarded more as a 30 to 45-minute-long informal conversation. Feel free to ask your interviewer questions and actively listen to their responses. Ensure that you take advantage of this time and ask questions you can’t find answers to online.

Your interview may be conducted in person or virtually, and what you talk about will probably go with the natural flow of the conversation. However, we do have a guide to Princeton Interview questions if you’d like to check out some possible questions you may be asked and how to answer them.

How to Apply to Princeton

These are the main steps to apply to Princeton: 

  1. Complete the Common Application or Coalition Application
  2. Ensure you fulfill all application requirements and gather all documents 
  3. Submit your application 
  4. Attend the Princeton interview if you receive an invitation 
  5. Wait for your admissions decision. 

Princeton Application Process and Deadlines 

If you’re applying under regular decision, there are some important deadlines you’ll need to know. These Princeton deadlines are subject to change, and it’s always in your best interest to double-check.

Deadline Description
Mid-August Application portals open, and the Princeton Supplement is available.
January 1 Princeton application deadline.
February 1 The Princeton Financial Aid Application is due
Late March You’ll receive your admissions decision.
May 1 Deadline to respond to your admissions offer.

Princeton Early Decision Dates 

Early Decision, or Single-Choice Early Action as it’s known at Princeton, means you can put your application together earlier and receive an earlier admissions decision. Below are the Princeton early decision deadlines you need to know:

Deadline Description
Mid-August Application portals open, and the Princeton Supplement is available.
November 1 Deadline to submit applications.
November 9 The Princeton Financial Aid Application is due.
Mid-December You’ll receive your admissions decision.
May 1 Deadline to respond to your admissions offer.

Source: Princeton

Refer back to these tables while you’re prepping your application so you never miss a deadline!

Tips to Get into Princeton

Tips to get into Princeton

Getting into Princeton can seem difficult, especially when acceptance statistics aren't exactly encouraging. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stand out.

Raise Your GPA and Achieve High Test Scores

Because getting into Princeton isn’t easy, you’ll want to ensure that you have the strongest grades and test scores you can manage before applying. If you’re still in high school, take high-level courses and perform well. A high GPA always bolsters your application. 

Regarding test scores, consider taking the SAT or ACT in your junior year or early in your senior year if you want to submit scores. You’ll have more time to retake them if you’re not pleased with your marks the first time. An SAT/ACT tutor can be an invaluable asset and help you boost these scores.

Pick Your Recommenders Wisely

Because you’re not in complete control of what goes in your recommendations, you should pick teachers with whom you’ve formed a meaningful relationship. 

If you’ve had the same teacher for more than one subject, this can add value to their recommendation because they’ve seen more of you, how you handle situations, and perform under pressure. Picking the right teacher can strengthen your candidacy, so ensure you choose those who will represent you well! 

Consider What Princeton Is Looking For 

Although you want to show your character and accomplishments, that doesn’t mean you can’t keep what Princeton is looking for in mind when you complete your application. 

Princeton states that the admissions committee is looking for students with “intellectual curiosity, who have pursued and achieved academic excellence. We also look for students with strong personal and extracurricular accomplishments.”

In your application, ensure you highlight: 

Princeton wants to see your involvement in your school, community, and family because it can help predict your future campus contributions. Remember, universities love when students are engaged and eager to participate in extracurricular activities.

How to Get Accepted at Princeton If…(A Personalized Roadmap) 

If you’re wondering how to boost your profile while addressing specific circumstances, we’ll outline how to remedy living out of state or having a low GPA or test scores. 

You Live Out of State

The Princeton application process is the same for out-of-state students. Although Princeton accepts the most students from New Jersey, the admissions committee states that all applications are reviewed similarly. 

Your GPA Is Low

A low GPA can be remedied in numerous ways: 

Your SAT/ACT Scores Are Low

If your SAT or ACT scores are lower than you’d like, you have options: 

Remember, these circumstances don’t mean getting accepted at Princeton isn’t possible!

Should I Apply to Princeton? 

Whether or not you apply to Princeton is ultimately up to you, but know that it’s a prestigious school that can offer you an excellent education and undergraduate experience. If Princeton is your dream school, you should certainly apply! 

Sometimes students get hung up on school acceptance rates, and lower numbers can discourage some applicants from applying. We recommend never getting too hung up on admissions statistics.

Instead, consider what you have control over — your own application. If you spend enough time polishing and perfecting your application, you have a better chance of acceptance! 

FAQs: What Do You Need to Get Into Princeton?

If you still have questions about the Princeton application requirements and what you need to do to get in, read on. 

1. What Does Princeton Look For In Applicants? 

Princeton is looking for “students with intellectual curiosity, who have pursued and achieved academic excellence. [They] also look for students with strong personal and extracurricular accomplishments.” 

Emphasize your academic achievements and passions application to boost your chances of acceptance. 

2. Can I Get Into Princeton with a 3.5 GPA?

Although Princeton doesn’t release information on the high school GPAs of admitted students, a higher GPA will always bolster your application. A 3.5 GPA is by no means considered low, but Princeton is the top university in the U.S. 

It’s in your best interest to improve your GPA as much as you can if you’re still in high school. If boosting your GPA isn't possible or if you’ve already graduated, you can still get into Princeton with a 3.5 GPA, depending on the strength of your application. 

3. How Do I Stand Out in the Princeton Application Process?

There are numerous ways to stand out in any university application process. The first thing you could do is challenge yourself with high-level courses, achieve good grades, and earn strong SAT or ACT scores. 

Beyond scores and numbers, remember that the admissions process is holistic. By being authentic, demonstrating your initiative, and being passionate about the things you do, you can stand out.

4. When Should I Prepare for Princeton?

You should start preparing for your Princeton application as soon as possible. Starting early, even before your junior year, can give you time to think about activities and courses that will help you stand out.

Experience and skills can undoubtedly be an asset to you when it’s time to start sending off applications. 

5. What Extracurriculars Should I Have to Get Into Princeton?

Your extracurriculars should be tailored to your passions, and to activities surrounding those passions that demonstrate favorable traits. For example - simply taking piano lessons because you enjoy them is perfectly fine, but perhaps organizing a show or performing competitively would demonstrate more of your abilities.

Ultimately, you shouldn’t take part in activities you don’t enjoy because you think it’s what Princeton wants to see. Often, more unique and unheard of extracurriculars can help you stand out on your application. Simply focus on what your extracurriculars say about you as a person. 

Unlock Your Potential and Get Into Princeton

Applying to Princeton can be intimidating, but the payoff can be huge. Now that you know more about the school and how to apply, you know the Princeton requirements  and the steps you can take to strengthen your application. Good luck!


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