Princeton Admission Requirements

Many students want to attend Ivy League schools like Princeton, and for good reason. Princeton is known for its rigorous academics, prestigious faculty, and the great outcomes its students see after graduation. It is one of the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the world. Securing your spot at Princeton is no small feat, and understanding the admissions requirements is crucial for prospective students aiming to join its ranks. 

In this guide, I will provide a comprehensive overview of what it takes to get into Princeton, breaking down each component of the application process. 

Understanding Princeton’s Admissions Process

Princeton’s admissions process is holistic, meaning the university evaluates each applicant based on multiple factors, not just academic achievements. This approach ensures that the students admitted are academically capable and bring diverse perspectives, talents, and backgrounds to the campus community. As an institution, Princeton prizes a well-rounded student body, so while academics are an important part of your application, they aren’t the only part.

Academic Excellence

Princeton is the number 1 national institution in the US, and academic expectations are high. Princeton has an acceptance rate of 6%, so you want to do everything you can to make your application competitive.

GPA and Class Rank

A strong academic record is essential for Princeton applicants. While Princeton does not specify a minimum GPA for admission, the average GPA of admitted students is typically very high. Most successful applicants are at the top of their class, often in the top 10% or higher. It’s critical to take challenging courses throughout high school, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and honors classes, to demonstrate your ability to excel in rigorous academic environments. 

Additionally, Princeton expects that its students will have taken a rigorous course of study in high school. They want each student to have experienced:

• Four years of English, including continued practice in writing
• Four years of mathematics, including calculus for engineering students
• Four years of one foreign language
• At least two years of laboratory science, including physics and chemistry for engineering students
• At least two years of history
• Some study in the visual or performing arts

Standardized Test Scores

Princeton has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning that submitting SAT or ACT scores is not required. This policy has been extended for first-year and transfer applicants until the fall 2025 application cycle. However, if you choose to submit your scores, they can strengthen your application. 

The middle 50% of admitted Princeton students typically score between 1460 and 1570 on the SAT. Math scores are slightly higher, in the 780-800 range, while evidenced-based reading and writing scores are in the 760-780 range. ACT scores are also high, with the middle 50% of students scoring between 34 and 35 on the ACT. High standardized test scores can help offset a slightly lower GPA or other areas of your application.

Extracurricular Involvement

Princeton looks for students who are not only academically gifted but also engaged in their communities and passionate about their interests. Extracurricular activities are a critical component of the application, demonstrating your leadership skills, commitment, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities.

Leadership and Impact

Admissions officers are interested in the depth of your involvement in extracurricular activities rather than the sheer number. Holding leadership positions, initiating projects, or making significant contributions to clubs, sports teams, or community organizations can set you apart. It’s important to show how your participation has had a positive impact on your school or community.

Personal Essays

The application essays are a vital part of your Princeton application. They offer you an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and writing skills. Princeton requires several essays, including the Common Application essay and three supplemental essays.

Common Application Essay 

The Common Application essay prompts change slightly each year, but they generally ask you to reflect on your experiences, values, or challenges. This essay should be personal, well-written, and give the admissions committee insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

Princeton Supplemental Essays

Princeton’s supplemental essays include prompts that ask about your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and personal background. These essays allow you to discuss your intellectual curiosity, how you plan to contribute to the Princeton community, and any unique aspects of your identity or experiences. It’s important to be genuine and specific in your responses, providing concrete examples to illustrate your points.

Letters of Recommendation

Princeton requires two academic teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation. These letters should come from teachers who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential. Strong letters of recommendation provide a more comprehensive picture of you as a student and a person, highlighting qualities that may not be evident from your transcript alone.

Alumni Interviews

Interviews are an optional part of the Princeton admissions process. If offered, they provide an additional opportunity to demonstrate your interest in Princeton and to further convey your personality and goals. Interviews are conducted by Princeton alumni and can be either in-person or virtual. While not required, a positive interview can enhance your application.

Princeton Application Checklist

There are several parts involved in the Princeton application, and keeping track of them can be a challenge. Here is a checklist of what you need to complete your application to Princeton:

• Common Application or Coalition Application: Submit through the respective online portal.
• Application Fee or Fee Waiver: Princeton’s application fee is $70, but fee waivers are available for eligible students.
• Graded Written Paper: Princeton requires a graded written paper from an academic course, preferably English or history.
• School Report and Counselor Recommendation: Your school counselor will submit these documents.
• Teacher Recommendations: Two letters from academic teachers.
• Midyear School Report: Your school will submit this report with updated grades from the first half of your senior year.
• Standardized Test Scores (Optional): SAT or ACT scores if you choose to submit them.
• Supplemental Essays: Complete and submit all required essays.
• Arts Supplement (Optional): Students with a strong arts background may include an example of their work. 

Princeton Application Deadlines

Princeton offers single-choice early action and regular decision admissions. For the current application cycle, if you are applying to Princeton for an early action decision, the due date is November 1. The arts supplement is due by November 6. For regular application decisions, the due date is January 1, with the arts supplement due on January 8.

Boost Your Princeton Admissions Prospects with Expert Guidance

Applying to Princeton University can be an overwhelming process, but with the right support, you can enhance your chances of success. That’s why I created Prep Expert in the first place; test-taking is a skill that any student can learn to improve your admission chances. At Prep Expert, we offer a range of services designed to help you build a compelling application. Our SAT and ACT courses cater to every student’s needs, while our one-on-one tutoring sessions, led by experienced instructors, provide personalized guidance. Additionally, our dedicated college consulting services support both students and their families through every step of the admissions journey.

Over the past decade, I have dedicated more than 10,000 hours to researching and developing top-tier test prep materials. I am proud to share these resources with thousands of students each year, helping them achieve their academic goals. We offer admissions consulting, test prep courses for ACT and SAT, and far more. Explore our course catalog today to discover how Prep Expert can assist you in reaching your dreams of attending Princeton University.