How to Get Into Princeton University
Complete guide to admission requirements, essays, deadlines, and tips for success
Quick Overview
Princeton University is one of the most selective universities in the United States, with an acceptance rate of 3.9%. Founded in 1746, the university is located in Princeton, New Jersey and currently enrolls ~5,400 undergraduates.
Getting into Princeton University requires exceptional academic performance, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and compelling essays that demonstrate your unique perspective and potential for contribution to the university community.
Academic Requirements
GPA Requirements
Most successful applicants have a GPA in this range or higher
Test Scores
Remember: While these statistics provide guidance, Princeton University uses holistic admissions. Strong essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars can significantly impact your application.
Application Essays
Key Essay Prompts:
- "Princeton values 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?"
Essay Tips: Focus on authenticity and specific examples. Show, don't tell your story. Connect your experiences to your potential contributions at Princeton University.
Application Deadlines
Tips for Success
- Demonstrate academic passion through independent research or projects
- Show how you engage with diverse perspectives
- Highlight your potential for scholarly contribution
- Connect your interests to Princeton's undergraduate research opportunities
- Emphasize intellectual curiosity and deep thinking
- Show leadership through service to others
What Makes a Strong Applicant
Quick Links
Popular Majors
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Public and International Affairs
- Engineering
- History
Notable Alumni
- Woodrow Wilson (US President)
- Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder)
- F. Scott Fitzgerald (Author)
- John Nash (Nobel Prize-winning mathematician)
- Meg Whitman (Business executive)
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Start Your JourneyFrequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Princeton University?
Princeton University has an acceptance rate of 3.9%, making it one of the most selective universities in the United States. This means that for every 100 applications, only about 4 are accepted.
What GPA do you need for Princeton University?
Most successful applicants to Princeton University have a 4.0+ (weighted). However, Princeton University uses holistic admissions, meaning they consider all aspects of your application including essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations.
What SAT scores do you need for Princeton University?
The middle 50% SAT range for Princeton University is 1470-1570. The university is currently test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit test scores.
When are Princeton University application deadlines?
Application deadlines for Princeton University are: Early Decision: November 1, Early Action: November 1, Regular Decision: January 1. Make sure to submit all materials before these dates.
What makes a strong applicant to Princeton University?
Strong Princeton University applicants typically demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and intellectual curiosity, potential for independent research and scholarship, strong character and ethical leadership, among other qualities. The university values students who will contribute meaningfully to their community.