Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private · 5,709 undergrads

Admit rate: 4.6% (39,644 applicants)
SAT middle 50%: 1510–1580 (ACT 34–35)
Undergraduates: 5,709 (12.6% international)
Average net price: $6,128 (per year after aid)
Graduation rate: 98% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

Restrictive Early Action: Nov. 1, 2026
Regular Decision: Jan. 1, 2027

Essays

A.B. or undecided applicants (250 words)

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?

B.S.E. applicants (250 words)

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.

Your Voice: lived experience (400 to 500 words)

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?

Your Voice: service and civic engagement (250 words)

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?

More about you: new skill (50 words)

What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?

More about you: joy (50 words)

What brings you joy?

More about you: song (50 words)

What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

Editor's notes

Princeton asks for more writing than most schools: an academic essay, two community essays, three short answers and a graded paper from class. Plan the set together so each piece shows something different. The graded paper is the one you can't write now, so pick it early and pick for quality of argument, not the grade.
Single-choice early action is non-binding, but it does restrict you. Applying early to Princeton rules out early applications to other private U.S. colleges, so decide whether Princeton is worth giving up those early rounds.
Fall 2027 is the last test-optional cycle; scores come back as a requirement for fall 2028 entry. Princeton says non-submitters this year aren't disadvantaged. The dean's own advice is to decide with your counselor, especially if you plan to study engineering.