Princeton University: Student Selection Secrets Unveiled

how does princeton university select students

Princeton University is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of 5.8%. The university seeks students with intellectual curiosity, who have pursued and achieved academic excellence and demonstrates a strong personal and extracurricular profile. The university evaluates applications holistically, considering academic achievements, passions, secondary school records, standardised test scores, extracurricular activities, character and personal qualities, geographical residence, religious affiliation, racial/ethnic status, and level of applicant interest.

Princeton requires applicants to submit transcripts and school reports, letters of recommendation, English proficiency exams (if applicable), a graded paper, and an application fee or fee waiver. The university also offers an optional arts supplement.

Characteristics Values
GPA 3.9 or higher
Standardized test scores 1580 on the SAT and 35 on the ACT
Extracurricular involvement Leadership and initiative
Personal statement Thoughtful
Supplemental essays Showcase exceptional writing abilities
Average tuition $59,710 per academic year
Total cost of attendance $83,140
Application fee $70
Number of students 5,200
Student-to-faculty ratio Low

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Academic Record

Princeton University is a highly selective school with an acceptance rate of 5.8%. To be considered for admission, applicants must possess an outstanding academic record with a near-perfect GPA, typically around 3.9 or higher. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 760-800 in the SAT's Math section and 730-780 in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section. The average ACT score for admitted students is 35.

Princeton's average GPA is 3.9, and achieving a GPA of 4.0 or close to it can make getting into Princeton easier, even though the university does not explicitly state a required GPA for admission. The university considers all aspects of a student's academic preparation and evaluates each application holistically. While there are no minimum grade-point averages, class ranks, or test scores required for admission, these criteria are considered within the context of each applicant's school and situation.

Princeton requires applicants to submit a mid-year report detailing senior year grades, a school report completed by a school counsellor, and official transcripts. The university also requires two teacher recommendations from higher-level courses in different subject areas (AP, IB, etc.). These should come from teachers in core subjects and, ideally, from teachers with whom the applicant has formed a meaningful relationship.

For students whose native language is not English, English proficiency exams are required. Princeton accepts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). Additionally, applicants must submit a graded paper from their secondary school, preferably from an English, social studies, or history course.

Princeton offers a wide range of academic programs, including humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students can also pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree through the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The university encourages students to explore many disciplines and develop a deep understanding in one area of concentration.

Princeton's general education distribution requirements expose students to different ways of knowing, enhancing their ability to discern which questions can be answered through various methods. These requirements include writing seminars, language courses, and courses in areas such as Culture and Difference, Epistemology and Cognition, Ethical Thought and Moral Values, Historical Analysis, Literature and the Arts, Quantitative and Computational Reasoning, and Social Analysis.

The university also offers a variety of minor programs and certificate programs that students can pursue alongside their major field of study.

Princeton's curriculum emphasizes learning, creativity, innovation, and collaboration. The low student-to-faculty ratio allows students to develop close working relationships with professors who are leaders in their fields. The university's commitment to undergraduate education ensures that students receive a well-rounded and rigorous academic experience.

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Standardised Test Scores

For the fall 2024 and 2025 application cycles, the submission of standardised test scores is not required, including for transfer applicants. Princeton's review process is holistic, focusing not just on an applicant's academic strengths but also on the talents and perspectives they will bring to the university. However, if applicants choose to submit test scores, they will be evaluated within the context of the school's holistic review process.

For students who wish to submit test scores, Princeton accepts the SAT or ACT. The middle 50% of admitted students typically score between 760-800 on the SAT's Math section and 730-780 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, with an average composite score of around 1580. For the ACT, the middle 50% of students who submitted scores achieved an average composite score of 35. It is recommended that applicants aim for an SAT score of 1580 or an ACT score of 35-36 to be competitive.

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Extracurricular Involvement

Princeton University is looking for well-rounded students who have demonstrated leadership and initiative through extensive extracurricular involvement and intellectual curiosity. They want to see your involvement in your school, community, and family because it can help predict your future campus contributions. They encourage students to articulate these responsibilities on the application as they are still valued as extracurricular commitments that speak to your time management alongside your academic work. Summers are a great time to boost your profile!

Princeton offers more than 500 student-run organisations, ranging from publications, dance, media, music, theatre, service, and religious organisations.

Princeton's admissions officers will take particular note of leadership and exceptional talents or accomplishments. They do not value one type of activity over another but appreciate sustained commitment to the interests you have chosen to pursue. Some of the students they admit have one well-honed talent, while others have participated in a range of activities.

Princeton's early decision acceptance rate in a recent cycle was 15.5%, approximately three times the overall rate.

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Personal Statement

A personal statement is a vital part of your application to Princeton University. It is your chance to showcase your writing abilities and give the admissions committee a sense of your character and accomplishments. Here are some tips to help you craft a strong personal statement when applying to Princeton:

  • Highlight your academic achievements and passions: Emphasise your academic achievements, intellectual curiosity, and areas of interest. Discuss any high-level courses you've taken and explain why you want to pursue a particular field of study.
  • Demonstrate leadership and initiative: Princeton seeks well-rounded students who have demonstrated leadership qualities and initiative through their extracurricular activities. Talk about your involvement in school clubs, community service, athletics, or other activities that showcase your ability to take on responsibilities and make a positive impact.
  • Showcase your unique perspective: The admissions committee wants to understand your background, perspectives, and beliefs. Reflect on your personal experiences and how they have shaped your values and worldview. Discuss how your experiences will contribute to diverse conversations and interactions with your peers on campus.
  • Emphasise your community involvement: Princeton values community engagement and civic responsibility. Share instances where you've actively contributed to your community or made a positive difference. This could include volunteering, fundraising, or participating in community clean-up initiatives.
  • Discuss your future goals: Explain how your experiences and interests align with Princeton's offerings and how you plan to utilise the university's resources to achieve your academic and personal goals.
  • Spend time crafting your essays: Your personal statement should be well-written and thoughtfully crafted. Take the time to revise and edit your statement to ensure it best represents you and your unique voice.

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Supplemental Essays

Princeton University is a highly selective school with an acceptance rate of 5.8%. The admissions committee looks for "students with intellectual curiosity, who have pursued and achieved academic excellence. [They] also look for students with strong personal and extracurricular accomplishments." The committee evaluates applications holistically, emphasising academic achievements and passions.

  • Highlight your academic achievements and intellectual curiosity: Discuss the high-level courses you've taken and any personal and extracurricular accomplishments that demonstrate your pursuit of knowledge beyond the classroom. Emphasise any leadership experiences and community involvement.
  • Showcase your writing abilities: Spend time crafting well-written and thoughtful essays. Ensure your writing is clear and persuasive, and showcases your unique voice.
  • Connect your interests to Princeton's offerings: In the "Why Princeton?" essay, explain how the university's programs suit your particular interests. If you're undecided about your major, focus on the topics and disciplines that intrigue you and how Princeton can help you explore them.
  • Reflect on your unique background and experiences: The Perspective/Diversity essay aims to understand how your lived experiences will shape the conversations you'll have on campus. Reflect on your perspectives, ideas, and beliefs, and share real-life anecdotes that have shaped you.
  • Demonstrate your commitment to service and civic engagement: In the Community Service essay, highlight an instance where you've positively impacted your school or community. Discuss how your values align with Princeton's commitment to understanding its responsibility to society through service.
  • Answer the short answer questions creatively: Be authentic and have fun with your responses! For instance, when asked about a new skill you'd like to learn in college, consider something you're passionate about, like learning an instrument or a new language.

Frequently asked questions

Princeton University requires applicants to submit a mid-year report detailing senior year grades, a school report completed by a counsellor, official transcripts, two teacher recommendations from higher-level courses, English proficiency exam scores (if applicable), a graded paper from secondary school, and the application fee or fee waiver.

Princeton University evaluates applications holistically and is looking for students with "intellectual curiosity, who have pursued and achieved academic excellence." The university also seeks students with strong personal and extracurricular accomplishments, leadership experience, and community involvement.

The application deadlines for Princeton University vary depending on whether you are applying for undergraduate or graduate studies. The specific dates for the current admissions cycle can be found on the university's website.

To improve your chances of getting into Princeton University, focus on achieving high grades and test scores, if applicable. Additionally, spend time crafting thoughtful and well-written essays that showcase your unique strengths, experiences, and interests. It is also important to choose recommenders wisely and select teachers who know you well and can speak to your academic achievements and personal qualities.

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