If you’re looking to get into Princeton University, read on to learn about applying, preparing for the interview, and more.
If you’re just here for the requirements, click here.
The acceptance rate at Princeton University is 4.62%. For the Class of 2028, Princeton University received 40,468 applications and accepted 1,868 students. That means your chances of getting into Princeton are just under 1 in 22.
Princeton has not yet released official admissions data for the Class of 2029. The estimated acceptance rate for Princeton University’s Class of 2029 is approximately 4.5%. This estimate is based on previous admissions data.
Here is how Princeton University’s acceptance rate has fluctuated over the past four admissions cycles.
| Year | Applications Received | Students Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 40,468 | 1,868 | 4.62% |
| 2023 | 39,644 | 1,782 | 4.50% |
| 2022 | 38,019 | 2,167 | 5.70% |
| 2021 | 37,601 | 1,647 | 4.38% |
The Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate at Princeton University is estimated to be around 15%. Princeton does not officially report ED/SCEA acceptance rates. We’ve provided an educated estimate based on previous admissions data.
Getting into Princeton University is very difficult. In the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Princeton University only accepted 4.62% of applicants, resulting in a rejection rate of 95.38%. Princeton University receives enough applications to fill its incoming class 21 times over with qualified applicants.
Take our quiz to find out if you will get into Princeton University.
Here are the GPA and SAT/ACT requirements to get into Princeton University. We collected our data from Princeton University’s 2024-2025 Common Data Set (CDS), which is a standardized report that universities fill out each year to provide more information on the previous admissions cycle.
Princeton University’s average GPA in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle was 3.95. However, 68.50% of Princeton’s enrolled students had a GPA of 4.0. Additionally, 99.6% of the students enrolled in the 2024-2025 application cycle had at least a 3.25 GPA
To put that into perspective, the national average high school GPA is 3.0, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That means the typical Princeton admit earns over a full letter grade higher than the average U.S. college student.
If you’re aiming for Princeton, a weighted GPA of 3.95 or higher is essential. Anything less places you below the majority of successful applicants.
The average SAT score of admitted students at Princeton University is 1530. In contrast, the national average SAT score is approximately 1050, meaning Princeton admits score about 480 points higher on the SAT than the typical U.S. test-taker.
A 1530 SAT score places you in the top 1% of all test-takers nationwide, according to College Board data. This means Princeton’s admitted students perform better than 99% of students across the country.
To be competitive at Princeton, you should aim for a score of 1560, which represents the 75th percentile score.
The average ACT score of admitted students at Princeton University is 35. By comparison, the national average ACT score is 19.4, meaning students admitted to Princeton score nearly 16 points higher on the ACT than the typical U.S. test-taker.
A score of 35 places you in the top 1% of all ACT test-takers nationally. In other words, Princeton students are among the highest scorers in the country, often just one point away from perfection.
Princeton University is looking for students who combine intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and meaningful personal and extracurricular accomplishments. Princeton’s holistic admissions process means that every part of your application, such as grades, essays, recommendations, and activities, matters and is considered in the context of your background and opportunities.
Here are the core qualities that Princeton University values and how to show them in your application.
| Trait | Princeton University Admissions Jargon Decoded | How to Show It in Your Application |
|---|---|---|
| Intellectual Curiosity & Academic Excellence | Students who actively seek out challenges and show passion for learning beyond the classroom. Princeton values academic rigor and independent thinking. | Take AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses, rank in the top 10% of your class, and highlight intellectual pursuits like independent research, deep academic projects, or engagement with advanced materials. |
| Leadership, Initiative, and Impact | Students who start things, take charge, and leave a measurable mark. Princeton looks for students who shape their communities, not just join them. | Include experiences where you launched an initiative, led a team, or solved a real problem. Demonstrate outcomes such as increased participation, funds raised, policy change, or improved systems. |
| Depth in Extracurriculars | Students who are focused on long-term commitment. Depth shows discipline, passion, and authentic interest. | Highlight 2–3 major activities with multi-year involvement. Include roles, responsibilities, progression (member → leader), and specific achievements (awards, performances, publications, championships). |
| Personal Qualities & Character | Students with integrity, humility, and a strong sense of identity. Your values matter as much as your achievements. | Use essays, recommendations, or interviews to show resilience, empathy, curiosity, or self-awareness. Personal anecdotes with emotional stakes are far more effective than abstract claims. |
| Commitment to Service & Global Citizenship | Students who think beyond themselves and aim to contribute to the greater good, locally or globally. | Discuss sustained involvement in service or advocacy. Don’t just list hours. Explain why you got involved, what you learned, and how you adapted or led efforts that helped others. |
| Diversity of Backgrounds and Perspectives | Students who explain their life experiences, socioeconomic status, intellectual interests, beliefs, and more. Princeton builds a class where differences matter. | Be honest and detailed about your lived experience. Explain how your background shaped your worldview, what unique perspectives you bring, and how you’ve engaged with people different from you. |
| Academic | Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigor of Secondary School Record | X | |||
| Class Rank | X | |||
| Academic GPA | X | |||
| Standardized Test Scores | X | |||
| Application Essay | X | |||
| Recommendation(s) | X |
Princeton University highlights that every academic factor is considered “Very Important.” Princeton wants evidence that you challenged yourself and thrived under pressure because it marked Rigor of Secondary School Record and Class Rank as “Very Important.”
For example, taking 3 out of 10 AP courses signals that you haven't pushed yourself to the fullest extent possible. However, if your school only offered 3 AP courses and you took them all, that shows you’re pushing yourself academically.
According to Princeton University’s Undergraduate Admissions, “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.”
That means if you have a 4.0+ GPA but you didn’t challenge yourself with AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses, that could hurt your chances of standing out. In other words, your entire application needs to be cohesive and show that you’re academically talented, especially because Princeton marks Rigor of Secondary School Record as “Very Important.”
| Non-Academic | Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interview | X | |||
| Extracurricular Activities | X | |||
| Talent/Ability | X | |||
| Character/Personal Qualities | X | |||
| First Generation | X | |||
| Alumni/ae Relation | X | |||
| Geographical Residence | X | |||
| State Residency | X | |||
| Religious Affiliation/Commitment | X | |||
| Volunteer Work | X | |||
| Work Experience | X | |||
| Level of Applicant’s Interest | X |
The only non-academic factors that Princeton University labels as “Very Important” are Extracurricular Activities, Talent/Ability, and Character/Personal Qualities.
While the Interview is only marked as “Considered,” it’s a perfect opportunity to humanize your application and demonstrate how you fit into Princeton’s student body. Use the interview to:
Princeton University marks Extracurricular Activities as “Very Important,” but what really matters is the depth of your impact rather than just the number of activities.
Princeton’s admissions team looks for sustained leadership or innovation in a few activities, evidence that you’ve helped others succeed, and special pursuits that add to campus diversity (such as founding a niche club, launching a community project, or excelling in an unusual art form).
In a recent webinar with Quad Education, Fedjounie Philippe, a Quad consultant and former admissions counselor at Princeton University, highlighted how Princeton values non-academic admissions factors:
“Students can push ahead by strengthening their essays, recommendations, and how they frame their extracurriculars. Think about how you can amplify the qualitative parts of your profile to really stand out.”
Philippe suggests that volunteer and work experience can demonstrate who you are beyond numbers. Instead of listing hours, address how each experience challenged you. Explain what initiative you took and how the outcomes reflect your values.
An ideal Princeton University applicant is:
While Princeton University expects near-perfect academic credentials, what truly distinguishes successful applicants is the ability to demonstrate depth and purpose beyond grades.
Here are the application requirements to get into Princeton University.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Application | Required |
| Essay | Required |
| Graded Written Paper | Required |
| Letters of Recommendation | Required (2) |
| High School Transcript | Required |
| Mid-Year High School Transcript | Required |
| Interview | Optional |
| Application Fee (2025) | $70 |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Available |
| Test | Requirement | Scores Due |
|---|---|---|
| SAT or ACT | Optional | EA by October; Regular by December |
| Subject | Recommended Units |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Math | 4 |
| Science | 4 |
| Foreign Language | 4 |
| Social Studies | 2 |
| History | 2 |
| Visual/Performing Arts | 1 |
| Total | 21 |
| Admission Type | Offered? | Deadline | Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Admission | Yes | January 1 | Late March |
| Early Decision | No | — | — |
| Early Action | Yes | November 1 | Mid-December |
You can improve your chances of getting into Princeton University with Quad Education’s Princeton University admissions consulting. Work with former admissions officers who can help you stand out among thousands of applicants.
Here are some of our other expert tips to get into Princeton University.
If your school offers AP, IB, or honors classes, take as many as you can handle, especially in English, math (ideally through calculus), science, history, and a foreign language. If your school doesn’t offer many advanced classes, still try to take as many as possible, but also use your application or counselor’s note to explain this.
Princeton University wants to see that you’ve challenged yourself academically as much as possible.
Philippe also provided advice on showing academic preparedness through SAT and ACT scores:
“It’s more advantageous to focus on just one standardized test—the SAT or the ACT—rather than preparing for both. Do your research, figure out which test aligns with your strengths, and commit to mastering the strategy for that one. Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to do everything at once.”
Philippe highlights that even though submitting test scores is optional, test scores are still marked as “Very Important” in the CDS. Test score results can help you stand out if you have an SAT score of at least 1530 and an ACT score of at least 35.
If you choose not to submit test scores, the admissions team may look more closely at your GPA, course rigor, and essays to understand your academic ability.
Princeton University requires a graded paper in English, social studies, or history. In your paper, choose a course that demonstrates how you analyzed a complex issue, received feedback, and made improvements. If you don’t have one, ask a teacher if you can revise an old assignment and get it regraded.
Reference specific Princeton traditions, such as Princeton’s Bridge Year Program, the senior thesis requirement, eating clubs, or the Pace Center for Civic Engagement. In your essays, mention how these traditions excite you.
For example, “I want to join the Bridge Year Program to immerse myself in community service before starting college, and I’m eager to take on the challenge of a senior thesis in environmental policy.”
Princeton values intellectually curious students. If you started a podcast about science, built a robot, or organized a book club, talk about what you learned and how you want to continue exploring these interests at Princeton.
Complete a massive, open, online course (MOOC) from Princeton Online or a summer program and mention your experience in your essay. Reflect on what you learned and how it inspired your academic goals, specifically at Princeton.
When you reference programs like the Bridge Year, the senior thesis, or the Pace Center, you’re proving to admissions officers that:
Referencing these Princeton programs makes your application feel intentional and personal, which directly improves how favorably admissions reads your application.
Princeton University’s informal motto is “In the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity.” Instead of listing random volunteer hours, focus on one or two projects where you made a real impact, because it shows your passion for improving the world around you.
For example, “I organized a tutoring program for local middle schoolers and tracked their progress over the year.”
Mention specific Princeton centers or initiatives (like the Pace Center) where you want to continue your service work.
Ask teachers who can describe your curiosity, resilience, and how you help others in class, not just those who gave you the highest grades.
Share your resume with your teachers and talk to your recommenders about what you hope they’ll mention, like your leadership in a group project or how you handled a setback.
In a webinar with Quad Education, Philippe also spoke about how to choose recommenders.
“I advise students to guide their recommenders. Provide a résumé or outline, and suggest what you’d like highlighted, like your contributions in class or work on a specific project. Help them help you.”
Philippe suggests that applicants should select their recommenders strategically. Don’t just ask a teacher who gave you an A. Ask someone who is able to demonstrate that you’re an intellectually curious student.
The interview is a chance to show your personality and talk about why Princeton University is right for you. Mention specific programs, classes, or traditions you’re excited about.
Show you’ve done your homework by asking about Princeton’s offerings, like the residential college system or the Honor Code, which governs all in-class exams and requires students not only to uphold academic integrity themselves but also to report any suspected violations.
If you know your interviewer’s background, ask about their time in a specific club, research experience, or favorite campus tradition to show your enthusiasm for Princeton life.
Highlight two or three activities where you led, innovated, or made a measurable impact. For example, “I founded a STEM outreach program for middle school girls, which grew from 5 to 50 participants in two years. This program continues today even though I’ve graduated.”
Focus on long-term, high-impact projects, rather than generic volunteering. Quantify your results: “I raised $3,000 for the local food bank and organized weekly deliveries.”
For each activity, explain how you’ll continue or scale it at Princeton, mentioning specific clubs, centers, or professors.
You should start preparing for Princeton University at the beginning of high school. While the official application is due in early January, competitive candidates begin building their profile in their freshman year.
The extracurricular activities you should have to get into Princeton University include leading a club or team, founding a tutoring program, launching a community garden, or organizing a charity drive. Princeton University values students who demonstrate sustained commitment and leadership. Choose activities you’ve been involved with for several years to show perseverance and growth.
Focus on these key areas during the 9th–11th grade to get into Princeton University:
Princeton University considers grades from 9th grade onward, so start strong and maintain or improve your academic performance each year
If your school doesn’t offer AP or IB courses, take the most challenging courses available to you and excel in them. Look for enrichment outside the classroom, such as dual enrollment at a local college, self-directed study, online university-level courses (e.g., through edX or Coursera), or independent research projects.
Here are Princeton‑specific summer programs that can meaningfully boost your Princeton University application:
These programs give you direct experience on Princeton’s campus, access to faculty, labs, and intellectual life, and compelling material for essays, interviews, and recommendation letters.
Princeton University evaluates all applicants within the context of their environment. If you attend a small or rural high school with limited AP courses, extracurriculars, or college counseling, admissions officers don’t penalize you for what wasn’t available.
Princeton University accepts fewer than 1 in 22 applicants each year, making it one of the most selective universities in the world. To increase your chances of admission, it’s essential to understand what sets successful applicants apart and how to position your strengths effectively.
If you want expert guidance, schedule a free consultation with our team. You’ll get personalized advice from former Princeton University admissions officers who know exactly how to help you demonstrate the intellectual curiosity that Princeton University values.
