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College application building means you’ll need to write many supplemental essays. If you’re wondering how to write the Princeton essays, read on!
Applying to Princeton is a monumental, thrilling, and intimidating task. As one of the Ivy League schools, Princeton strives to accept the best of the best. But it takes more than just good grades and excellent test scores to attend Princeton.
Part of the application process includes writing Princeton supplemental essays. Keep in mind that these are required and not optional essays.
This article will outline the essay prompts and pass along several writing tips so you’re fully prepared to answer Princeton supplements and impress Princeton’s admissions team.
When applying to universities, the admissions team only knows what you give them. Princeton judges your application based on your:
It’s hard to determine who you are based on grades, so these essays provide insight into the character that admissions committees value. The essays allow you to “speak” directly to the admissions committee and show why you deserve to attend Princeton.
Every university wants to feel special, know that you chose to apply for a specific reason, and know that your application was intentional, not a fluke. You don’t get the opportunity to talk to the admissions team right off the bat, so you use the essays to show why you deserve to attend Princeton.
Each prompt allows you to express yourself and explain the following:
Princeton also wants to know your expectations, dreams, how it can help you achieve those dreams, and what kind of mark you’ll leave on it.
Avoid writing your essays to cater to what you think the admissions committee wants to read. Admissions officers want to see your true self, so devote a healthy amount of time to these essays to give yourself the best chance of acceptance. Use this opportunity to show your true personality.
For the most part, each student answers similar questions about themselves. Princeton’s supplemental essay prompts range from 50 to 250 words, and the prompts aim to uncover more about you. Let’s explore each Princeton essay prompt in a little more depth.
The first Princeton essay prompt you’ll answer depends on what track you plan to take. If you’re undecided or want to pursue liberal arts, you’ll respond to the first prompt, while engineering hopefuls will respond to the second:
1. “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 about 250 words.)”
2. “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 about 250 words.)”
If you plan to answer the first prompt, it’s okay if you’re unsure what major to pick. It’s a difficult decision to make, and Princeton understands that.
To make it easier for you, Princeton wants to know what topics interest you and how Princeton fits into those interests. They want to know why you chose Princeton by understanding what aspects of the school appeal to you.
It can be tricky knowing how to start your essay. First, conduct some college research to determine Princeton’s programs to ensure the university is a good fit for you. This is your opportunity to:
If you’ve been interested in engineering, the second prompt will be fairly easy to answer. These supplemental essays are your chance to discuss your dreams and share any anecdotes that nurtured your interest in engineering. Use this opportunity to talk about your goals and how Princeton fits in with those plans.
Princeton asks you to respond to the following prompts:
1. Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you? (500 words or fewer.)
2. Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals? (250 words or fewer.)
So, how do you write the second Princeton essay?
For the first prompt, share your life experiences that have shaped your perspectives and beliefs. Explain how these experiences will contribute to meaningful conversations with classmates in various campus settings. Consider what lessons you've learned and how your classmates can benefit from your unique background.
For the second prompt, discuss your personal connection to Princeton's commitment to service and civic engagement. Describe how your own experiences align with the university's values and ideals in this regard.
In addition to your essays, there are three short questions you must answer:
Each Princeton short answer question response must be 50 words or less, and the essay topics allow more room for creativity. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun answering these! Here are some tips on how to write concise answers that showcase your personality:
Remember, you should be honest with these answers. Writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear can come across as insincere. If you’re a fan of fantasy books, there’s no need to say you’re “a fanatic for classic literature.” Try to be yourself and remember these tips when writing your college essay.
When you write your Princeton Supplemental Essays, it's important to steer clear of common errors. This section highlights these mistakes to help you sidestep them effectively.
One of the most common mistakes applicants make is failing to be authentic in their essays. This can happen when you choose the wrong essay topic.
It's essential to resist the temptation to write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Instead, be genuine and allow your true personality, values, and experiences to shine through in your essays.
Another pitfall to avoid is submitting generic or clichéd responses that could apply to any college. Your Princeton essays should demonstrate a deep understanding of the university and how it uniquely aligns with your academic and personal goals. Be specific in highlighting what Princeton offers that resonates with you.
Ensure that you directly address the prompt in each essay. Each question serves a specific purpose, and your responses should align with those purposes. Avoid straying off-topic or writing about unrelated experiences.
Respect the word limits provided for each essay. Going significantly over or under the word limit can reflect poor attention to detail and the inability to follow instructions. Adhere to these limits carefully.
Failing to proofread your essays can be detrimental to your application. Typos, grammatical errors, and poor sentence structure can detract from the overall quality of your essays. Take the time to proofread meticulously, and consider having someone else review your work for errors and clarity.
While it's important to discuss your academic interests and achievements, avoid turning your essay into a laundry list of accomplishments. Instead, delve into your motivations, passions, and the impact of your academic pursuits on your personal growth and goals.
You don't need to employ overly formal language or rely on a thesaurus to impress the admissions committee. Write in your natural voice, and avoid trying to sound like someone you're not. Authenticity and clarity should be your primary goals.
In your essays, be specific and concrete in your descriptions. Use examples, anecdotes, and personal experiences to illustrate your points. Avoid vague or general statements that lack depth and specificity.
The Princeton essays often require reflection and introspection. Don't merely recount events or achievements; explain how they have shaped your values, perspectives, and future aspirations. The admissions committee is interested in understanding your personal growth.
Seeking feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers is invaluable. They can provide insights and suggestions to improve your essays, helping you refine your ideas and make your writing stronger.
Avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information. Instead, focus on a few key experiences or ideas and explore them thoroughly. This allows for a more in-depth and meaningful discussion.
Maintain a positive and constructive tone throughout your essays. Avoid dwelling on negative experiences or criticizing others. Emphasize your resilience and ability to learn and grow from challenges.
Starting your essays well in advance is crucial. Rushed essays are more likely to contain errors, lack depth, and fail to reflect your best work. Give yourself ample time for multiple drafts and revisions.
Show that you've done your homework about Princeton by referencing specific programs, professors, or opportunities that align with your interests. Tailor your essays to demonstrate a genuine connection between your goals and what Princeton has to offer.
The personal essay provides insight into your character and values. Don't underestimate its importance in the overall application. Use this essay to share meaningful experiences, passions, or values that define you.
Remember that the purpose of the Princeton essays is to help the admissions committee understand who you are as an individual and how you would contribute to the Princeton community. Be thoughtful, genuine, and reflective in your writing to make a lasting impression.
Now that you know what the Princeton essay prompts are, you’re ready to learn tips about how to write the Princeton University supplemental essays.
Whether pursuing a liberal arts degree or interested in engineering, you should determine what career path you want to take. Ensure you answer the correct prompt for the first supplemental essay.
Ensure that Princeton offers the degree you wish to pursue. You wouldn’t want to write an essay about a major that Princeton doesn’t offer. You should also research the extracurriculars offered to see if there are clubs or offerings that interest you. You could use that as an opportunity to contribute to the school’s culture.
Keep in mind that your responses should range from 50 to 250 words. This word count is barely two paragraphs, so you want to make sure you concisely answer the prompt. Avoid overly sophisticated sentence structures and language. Also, remember to end your essay in a strong and memorable way, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Remember that some of these prompts are supposed to be fun, so let your personality shine through! The admissions team wants to get to know you. A little honesty and creativity can help you stand out. Be honest to stand out from the other applicants.
Be sure to proofread your essays to ensure there aren’t any grammatical or spelling mistakes. Remember that this is your way of proving you deserve to attend Princeton. You don’t want to discredit your argument by making mistakes. They can distract admissions committees from your message!
Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family members, or even teachers to read through prompts to ensure that your answers are concise and easy to understand. If you want to truly elevate your writing, an admissions consultant can evaluate your essays the way admissions committee members would.
Another set of eyes can also help find errors that you might have missed.
If you’re feeling stumped and unsure what your essay should look like, check out these Princeton supplemental essay examples that worked. Try to draw inspiration from these essay examples. However, remember to make your essays your own. Infuse them with your unique personality while sticking to the prompt. And remember, practice makes perfect!
“Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you.”
“For the past five years, I have participated in a service group called CTeen (Chabad Teen Network). It is comprised of about twenty-five Jewish teenagers from surrounding high schools. Every Sunday morning we have breakfast and class with our rabbi. We discuss current events and world dilemmas from a Jewish point of view. These discussions have deepened my understanding of Judaism and brought me closer to other members of CTeen. Through CTeen I have met many of my closest friends. My chapter annually travels to Brooklyn for a shabbaton in Crown Heights with 200 other CTeen chapters from around the world. Every year during this time I am imbued with the dedication of my community to our faith, and I experience a heightened connection to both Judaism and my friends. As president of my CTeen chapter and member of the International CTeen Leadership Board, I continue to be impacted by the authentic ideas and dedicated people I meet.”
This student wrote about the service group they’re involved with to show their connection to a community.
The student talks about the group and how they serve their community, perfectly embodying Princeton’s ideals. It’s also a unique experience that sets them apart from other candidates. Consider the time you’ve served your community and how it shaped you.
The student’s response also shows their leadership skills and capacity to reflect on how being a part of the service group continues to shape them. The last sentences show the student’s openness to growth.
“At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future? (Please respond in about 250 words)”
“Last summer, I participated in molecular biology research at Boston University. Surrounded by 39 other high school seniors, I perceived with new clarity how an inquisitive, curious mind must interact in an unapologetic manner. Entering lectures about the basics of molecular biology, most of us initially thought we knew a great deal about biology. I quickly realized my naivete, and once I accepted my own ignorance, I settled into a passive absorption mode. The looks on all our faces told the same story. Well, all of ours except Kelsey’s.
Brilliant and inquisitive, Kelsey exhibited no fear raising her hand and boldly asking questions. Even during the portions of the lectures when we were simply reviewing concepts of biology, she never ceased to question the current topic. The first few times she asked questions, I thought she had little background knowledge so she just needed clarification. Yet as the first week progressed, I realized that not only did she have the background information required for this course but also the grit and determination needed for success in research. The levels of her questions stumped our lecturer at times, and he responded, “I’ll have to get back to you on that one.”
Often, I just wanted to yell, “PUT YOUR HAND DOWN!!!” as my tolerance for her constant inquiry began to erode while sitting through her questions and their subsequent answers. Due to her deep and thought-provoking questions, she became the class pariah; not necessarily because she was annoying but because of her resolute and indefatigable inquisitiveness. She was insatiable in her pursuit of knowledge, like a ribosome clinging to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Yet as the course progressed, I finally began to notice the value of Kelsey’s questions. She asked questions of importance, questions researchers must ask themselves every day. Her inquiries were thoughts no one else my age seemed to have. The depth and breadth of her ideas fascinated me, especially given that she was only sixteen. Kelsey’s questions made me realize the importance of questioning preconceived notions. Subsequently, I became aware of my own willingness to challenge concepts that were accepted and taught as seemingly concrete, and I recognized the danger of blindly absorbing information without disputing it. Seeing the scholarly nature of Kelsey’s intellectual curiosity, I began to emulate her queries during the final few weeks of the program. Not only did I get more out of the lectures, but I also gained the experience necessary to question ideas and facts and search for answers, a vital skill in every academic realm.
As a student with an interest in the sciences, I ask questions that may not have an obvious answer. As someone who strives for knowledge, I am willing to do research if what I am asking has no answer, but I do not simply possess an affinity toward knowledge. I wish to create it. Most young people cite coaches, teachers, or other adults as influential; however, for me, a peer-modeled approach to learning also has merit.”
This student aptly discusses how an interaction changed their perspective on asking questions in a class. Although the student’s initial reaction to the student does not paint the writer in a positive light, their ability to reflect and understand the value of curiosity shows their ability to question their preconceived notions.
This response shows the writer’s capacity to learn and grow when presented with new information and realizations. They now take the initiative to ask tough questions: a valuable quality in the next generation of academics and leaders.
“Tell us about a person who has influenced you in a significant way. (250-650 words)”
“Last summer I participated in molecular biology research at Boston University. Surrounded by 39 other high school seniors, I perceived with new clarity how an inquisitive, curious mind must interact in an unapologetic manner. Entering lectures about the basics of molecular biology, most of us initially thought we knew a great deal about biology. I quickly realized my naivete, and once I accepted my own ignorance, I settled into a passive absorption mode. The looks on all our faces told the same story. Well, all of ours except Kelsey’s.
Brilliant and inquisitive, Kelsey exhibited no fear raising her hand and boldly asking questions. Even during the portions of the lectures when we were simply reviewing concepts of biology, she never ceased to question the current topic. The first few times she asked questions, I thought she had little background knowledge so she just needed clarification. Yet as the first week progressed, I realized that not only did she have the background information required for this course but also the grit and determination needed for success in research. The levels of her questions stumped our lecturer at times and he responded, “I’ll have to get back to you on that one.”
Often I just wanted to yell, “PUT YOUR HAND DOWN!!!”, as my tolerance for her constant inquiry began to erode while sitting through her questions and their subsequent answers. Due to her deep and thought-provoking questions, she became the class pariah; not necessarily because she was annoying but because of her resolute and indefatigable inquisitiveness. She was insatiable in her pursuit of knowledge, like a ribosome clinging to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Yet as the course progressed, I finally began to notice the value of Kelsey’s questions. She asked questions of importance, questions researchers must ask themselves every day. Her inquiries were thoughts no one else my age seemed to have. The depth and breadth of her ideas fascinated me, especially given that she was only sixteen.
Kelsey’s questions made me realize the importance of questioning preconceived notions. Subsequently, I became aware of my own willingness to challenge concepts that were accepted and taught as seemingly concrete, and I recognized the danger of blindly absorbing information without disputing it. Seeing the scholarly nature of Kelsey’s intellectual curiosity, I began to emulate her queries during the final few weeks of the program. Not only did I get more out of the lectures, but I also gained the experience necessary to question ideas and facts and search for answers, a vital skill in every academic realm.
As a student with an interest in the sciences, I ask questions that may not have an obvious answer. As someone who strives for knowledge, I am willing to do research if what I am asking has no answer, but I do not simply possess an affinity toward knowledge. I wish to create it. Most young people cite coaches, teachers, or other adults as influential; however, for me, a peer-modeled approach to learning also has merit.”
This essay effectively engages Princeton's prompt by sharing a compelling story of Kelsey's influence. Beginning with a captivating narrative from a research program, it shows how Kelsey's curiosity, initially perceived as an annoyance, transformed the author's perspective.
Concrete examples and the author's self-awareness add depth. It consistently ties Kelsey's impact to the prompt's theme of significant influence within the word limit, making it a strong response.
“Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals. (250-300 words)”
“I sat down, playing a few test notes on the old upright piano. The guests started filing in, and their warm smiles and kind eyes made me feel right at home. For this concert, I was performing the Mendelssohn piano concerto solo with the Debakey Orchestra at Amazing Place, a care center for patients with dementia. Though we volunteered at many hospitals, this performance was especially meaningful to me.
We took our bow and began our performance, my fingers flying across the black keys in G minor and dancing gracefully in E-flat major. As I concluded the final notes of the piece, I was moved by not only the audience’s applause but, more importantly, by their personalized reactions. As most of the audience were patients who suffered from mild to moderate dementia, I was extremely touched to hear from them that my music had brought them joy and sparked past memories even through their daily struggles.
One resident, a retired piano teacher, told me that my performance reminded her of why she loved music, more specifically, teaching the art. It warmed my heart to know that I had a memorable, positive impact on her life. Partly due to this experience, I am inspired to continue bringing my music to my community at and around Princeton - whether it be to senior citizens at Atrium of Princeton, patients at Princeton Hospital, or my fellow classmates in Richardson Auditorium - just like I have with the Debakey Orchestra and Houston Orchestra on Call. Music is a powerful and therapeutic experience for many, and I am excited to combine my interests in both the art form and medicine during my time at Princeton.”
The essay is successful in conveying the student’s powerful and moving experience performing for patients with dementia. The use of descriptive language and sensory details helps to create a vivid picture of the scene, and the author's personal reflections on the experience are heartfelt and inspiring.
To improve this essay, the author could’ve provided more context on their background and how it relates to their interest in combining music and medicine.
This could help the reader better understand the author's motivations and goals, and how their experiences have led them to pursue this path. However, the essay is well-written and engaging overall.
“Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. (250-650 words)”
“People love to ask why. Why do you wear a turban? Why do you have long hair? Why are you playing a guitar with only 3 strings and watching TV at 3 A.M.—where did you get that cat? Why won’t you go back to your country, you terrorist? My answer is…uncomfortable. Many truths of the world are uncomfortable. A couple of examples are that an equal number of pets are euthanized as are adopted each year and that cats roam the streets at night because they are actually looking for owners with better food. One of those statements is a horrible truth, and the other is a thought I had in the shower. Either way, the point still stands.
Uncomfortable truths are just that, uncomfortable. The answer to ‘Why won’t you go back to your country, you terrorist?’ is the most uncomfortable answer I can give, barring the current status of aboriginal street cats. Sikhs like myself have borne the brunt of the backlash through our forced subjection to hate crimes, bullying, and job discrimination. In [Date], a misguided gunman took the lives of six Sikhs who were praying peacefully in their house of worship in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Their families, through their tears, asked the nation, like I continue to ask myself, “Why?”
The uncomfortable truth is that as a society, we have not found a solution to the growing trend of extremism and hate crimes—we failed at the whole “freedom of religion” clause in the Bill of Rights. The media tells us that these crimes are carried out by individuals who are ignorant and motivated by hate. I would personally call them losers, but that would solve none of the underlying system problems that have grown from anti-immigration rhetoric. When my cousin joined the US Army, he was told that he’d have to cut his beard and hair. Every time I tell that part of the story, I can’t help but guffaw at how ridiculous it sounds. My then eleven-year-old angst came to a climactic fruition hearing those words—it was a call to action.
I helped to gather signatures for a petition to Robert Gates, then Secretary of Defense, pleading with him to allow Sikhs to serve without having to cut our hair. We garnered over 15,000 signatories, receiving generous media attention. We called and convinced our local congressional offices to support this issue. I created a Facebook page to help spread awareness and helped to organize fundraisers to help fight this ban on our articles of faith. Our message is simple. Through service, we can push back against both hate and intolerance. But, if the largest employer in the U.S. does not allow us to serve with our articles of faith, then we will continue to be victimized as outsiders, contrary to the founding principles of our nation.
I’m proud to say my cousin deployed to Afghanistan as the first Sikh to be granted a religious waiver in nearly a generation. He saved countless lives as a doctor on the front lines of war and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his efforts. But, (there’s always a but) Sikhs today still face a presumptive ban. Despite being in perfect—for the army’s sake—physical condition, I cannot join the US Army because of my hair.
So now the uncomfortable story that was the uncomfortable answer to an uncomfortable question comes to an uncomfortable ending. And, like all great, uncomfortable answers, I never really answered the main question. I don’t have the answers to why people do the hateful things they do. But by wearing my turban proudly every morning, by answering questions when they come up, by being willing to talk about everything that is wrong, I become a personification of what is right. My solution to the systemic problem starts with me.”
This essay effectively delves into the author's personal experience as a Sikh facing discrimination and hate crimes. It artfully uses storytelling to emphasize the importance of religious freedom and tolerance in society. While compelling and well-written, it could benefit from a more explicit connection to the prompt, which asks for something meaningful in the author's background, identity, interest, or talent.
“What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment? (50 words)”
"Imagine" by John Lennon encapsulates the current soundtrack of my life. It’s a timeless song - its message of unity and hope resonates deeply in today's world. As I navigate through challenges and changes, this song inspires me to envision a better future and work towards it with optimism and empathy.
This response effectively conveys the choice of "Imagine" by John Lennon as the soundtrack of the author's life. It provides a clear explanation of why the song resonates with them, emphasizing its timeless message of unity and hope. The connection between the song and the author's life is well-articulated, making for a concise and meaningful response.
Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Princeton secondary essays.
Princeton University requires four supplemental essays from first-year applicants. Undergraduate applicants also have to answer three short questions and the Common App essay.
Because Princeton uses a holistic approach to the admissions process, your essays carry a lot of weight in your admissions decision. The Princeton secondaries provide you the opportunity to showcase your individuality, personality, and interests beyond your test scores, grades, and academic achievements.
Each Princeton essay prompt defines the number of words your essay should be. When it comes to admissions essays, you should try your best to stick to the brief. If your essay is ten words over or under, this is typically fine, but we highly recommend keeping it as close to the word count as possible.
For Single-Choice Early Action applicants, the deadline to submit the Princeton Supplemental Essay, along with the Coalition Application or Common Application, is November 1st.
Regular Decision applicants have until January 1st to submit their Princeton Supplemental Essay and application. Please ensure you meet these deadlines and check the official Princeton University admissions website for any updates or changes.
Essays can be stress-inducing, especially when they determine your acceptance into your dream school. You want to show you have goals and dreams that Princeton can help you achieve. It can be difficult to know where to start, but you’ll have a foolproof plan for tackling these essays if you follow these guidelines.
As long as you stay true to yourself and set yourself apart from other candidates, you should have no problem writing amazing Princeton supplemental essays. Good luck and happy writing!
