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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 asks that prospective students complete all requirements listed in the school’s admissions guide.
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 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Besides your personal statement, you’ll need to complete Princeton supplemental essays. You can check out the prompts here.
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.
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’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’s early decision acceptance rate is 14.7%, which is more than three times higher than regular decision.
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%.
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 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.
These are the main steps to apply to Princeton:
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.
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:
Source: Princeton
Refer back to these tables while you’re prepping your application so you never miss a deadline!
Getting into Princeton can seem difficult, especially when acceptance statistics aren't exactly encouraging. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stand out.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
A low GPA can be remedied in numerous ways:
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!
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!
If you still have questions about the Princeton application requirements and what you need to do to get in, read on.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 asks that prospective students complete all requirements listed in the school’s admissions guide.
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 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Besides your personal statement, you’ll need to complete Princeton supplemental essays. You can check out the prompts here.
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.
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’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’s early decision acceptance rate is 14.7%, which is more than three times higher than regular decision.
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%.
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 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.
These are the main steps to apply to Princeton:
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.
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:
Source: Princeton
Refer back to these tables while you’re prepping your application so you never miss a deadline!
Getting into Princeton can seem difficult, especially when acceptance statistics aren't exactly encouraging. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stand out.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
A low GPA can be remedied in numerous ways:
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!
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!
If you still have questions about the Princeton application requirements and what you need to do to get in, read on.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
