Princeton University is among the Ivy elites, and as expected, its acceptance rate is in the single digits.
Princeton University is a renowned research institution, one of the best in the world, and the fouth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
The university’s selectivity is quite understandable since the likes of Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Columbia, UPenn, Brown, and Dartmouth are all selective.
Princeton takes into action the academic qualifications of each applicant as well as essays and extracurricular activities.
Although Princeton has a low acceptance, you can increase your chances of getting into Princeton. Want to find out how? Keep reading this article to find out essential details.
About Princeton University
According to Wikipedia, Princeton University is a private research institute located in Princeton, New Jersey. The Ivy League research university was established in 1746, making it the fourth oldest university in the United States.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the university’s main campus sits on 690 acres which houses some of the schools at Princeton.
Princeton University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Engineering, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, the School of Architecture, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Bendheim Center for Finance are schools at Princeton offering postgraduate degree programs.
Also Read: What Are The 12 Ivy League Schools and Their Ranking?
Princeton University Rankings
According to U.S News & World Report, Princeton University is ranked #1 in National Universities, #2 in Best Value Schools, and #12 in Engineering Programs (doctorate).
The private Ivy League research university is also ranked #17 on the list of the world’s top 100 universities according to QS World University Rankings. Times Higher Education ranks Princeton at #6 on world university rankings.
Princeton University Acceptance Rate
The admission statistics at Princeton for the class of 2025 show that over 37,000 applications were received at the university and only about 1,600 of those applications were accepted.
The acceptance rate at Princeton University in that academic year was 4.4%.
The following admission year, a total of 38,019 applications were received and the number of successful applications was 2,167. The acceptance rate was 5.7% for the class of 2026.
Based on a recent statement on Princeton’s official website, a total of 1,366 students enrolled for the class of 2027.
According to an article published by the Daily Princetonian, Princeton University did not release its admission statistics on the Ivy Day for the second consecutive year. While other Ivy League Schools officially released their regular decision results, Princeton was the only Ivy League institution not to do so.
Also Read: How to get into an Ivy League School and their Acceptance Rate
GPA Requirement at Princeton University
According to Prepscholar.com, the university set its standard at an average of 3.95. With such a required GPA, you will need more A’s in your high school courses.
If your GPA is below Princeton’s average, you can take AP or IB courses to increase your chances of getting into the university. Higher standardized test (SAT/ACT) scores can also serve as an alternative to a low GPA.
SAT Requirements
Princeton’s average SAT score is 1518 on the 1600 SAT scale according to Prepscholar.com. The New SAT score for the 25th percentile is 1500 while that of the 75th percentile is 1560.
Half of the freshmen who got into Princeton had an SAT score between 1450 and 1570 or an ACT score of 32 and 35.
Additionally, one-quarter of the freshmen achieved scores that are above the aforementioned test scores, and one-quarter scored below average.
ACT Requirement
On the ACT, Princeton University requires an average score of 34.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Princeton University
The admission process at Princeton is highly competitive with selective standards for GPA, SAT, and ACT requirements. However, you can increase your chances of getting into Princeton with these few guidelines.
#1 Apply Via Early Action
Princeton University does not release its acceptance rate for Early Action. The acceptance rate for Early Action is slightly higher than the Regular Decision.
Always keep a close tab on Princeton regarding application dates and deadlines by visiting its official website.
#2 Obtain an Average GPA of 3.92 While Taking Hard Courses
The acceptance rate at Princeton University signifies how highly esteemed academic excellence is, and the university prioritizes it by evaluating GPA.
The average GPA at Princeton is 3.92 and more than 50% of freshmen in the class of 2025 graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA.
Princeton University uses the Academic Index which evaluates a student’s academic performance into a single number to select candidates who are not qualified.
If your GPA is below the standard at Princeton, your application will be taken out early in the decision-making process.
Also Read: USnews and World Report College Rankings
#3 Aim for a Higher SAT of 1560 and ACT of 35
One-quarter of SAT/ACT scores of freshmen in the class of 2025 is between 1460-1560 and 32-35.
Standardized testing was suspended by Princeton University in 2020-2021 and will also be suspended in 2021-2022 as a result of the disruption caused by the pandemic.
#4 Writing Essays
Writing an interesting essay increases your chances of competing with thousands of applicants. As an applicant, Princeton University demands that you submit three easy and three short responses.
Application readers at Princeton want to know why you have chosen a specific major.
#5 Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are valuable in the admission process at Princeton. The University requires that you submit a letter of recommendation from your school counsellor and two letters from your school teachers.
The teacher’s recommendation letters must come from a teacher giving instructions in high-level courses (AP or IB).
Application Requirements at Princeton University
Princeton University’s acceptance rate is highly competitive, yet it receives thousands of domestic and international applications each year.
Here are simple steps to follow sequentially to apply to Princeton.
Undergraduate Application Requirements
- Submit A Complete Application: Princeton University requires that you submit your application online via the Common Application.
- Princeton University Supplement: All applicants are required to submit the Princeton Supplement via the Common Application portal.
- Application Fee or Waiver: There are two methods to submit your waiver fee. Either you chose the fee waiver option on the Common Application website or you select the Princeton-specific, ACT, College Board, or NACAC fee waiver options on the Princeton Supplement. Please note that your fee waiver request must be approved online by your school counsellor and they can also submit your fee waiver form via mail or fax.
Requirements
Here are the requirements for first-year applicants.
Transcripts
Princeton University requires that your transcript be submitted by your school counsellor or official.
School Report
Have your school counsellor or official complete and submit your secondary school report. The school report form is available on the Common Application.
Counsellor Recommendation
If you are applying via the Common Application, you should differentiate between School Report and Counselor Recommendation. Ask your school counsellor or academic adviser to complete both the School Report and Counselor Recommendation.
Recommendations from Two Teachers
Have two teachers who have lectured you on high-level courses (AP, IB, A level) complete and submit the teacher recommendation form on the Common Application platform.
Mid-Year School Report
If available, your mid-year grades form must be completed by your school counsellor or official, before submitting it to Princeton.
Standardized Test
Princeton University does not require the submission of standardized testing (SAT/ACT).
For more details, you can visit Princeton’s official website.
Application Requirements for International Applicants
Princeton University accommodates all applicants irrespective of nationality, race, and religion.
Here are the requirements for international applicants.
Grades Written Paper
Princeton requires that you submit the graded written paper in English either from O or A-level coursework. You must not translate the graded written paper and teacher comments from any language to English.
Princeton requires that the graded written paper and teacher comments be written in English.
English Proficiency Test
If you are from countries where English is not your native language or you attended a college or university where instructions are received in a different. Princeton University demands that you take an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.
School Report
The School Report must be completed online via the Common Application or Coalition Application and submitted by your school counsellor. However, in the absence of a school counsellor, a school official, vice-principal or dean can also submit the School Report.
Mid Year Report
Princeton University demands that submit grades from your first semester or trimester of your senior year. However, if mid-year reports and predictions are not provided in your school, you don’t have to submit a mid-year report.
Final Report
Princeton University requires all admitted students with an intent to enrol to have their school counsellor submit a Final Report.
Application Dates and Deadlines
Below are the application dates and deadlines at Princeton University.
Single Choice Early Action
- Mid-August: Common Application and Princeton Supplement
- 1st of November: Application and Princeton Supplement Starts. Graded Written Paper Starts.
- 9th of November: Princeton Financial Aid Application.
- Mid-December: Decision Notification
- 2nd of May: Candidate Reply Date
Regular Decision
- Mid-August: Common Application and Princeton Supplement
- 1st of January: Application and Princeton Supplement Starts. Graded Written Paper Starts.
- 1st of February: Princeton Financial Aid Application Starts.
- 31st of March: Decision Notification
- 2nd of May: Candidate Reply Date
Please note that these dates are subject to change and you can visit Princeton’s official website for more information on application dates and deadlines.
Also Read: 25 Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students
Princeton University Tuition and Fee
Below is the estimated tuition and fee at Princeton University.
The cost of attendance for 2023-24 is $83,140 and includes:
- Tuition: $59,710.
- Housing: $11,400.
- Food: $7,980.
- Estimated miscellaneous expenses: $4,050.
Princeton University Contact Address
- School Address: 1 NASSAU HALL PRINCETON, NJ 08544
- Phone: +1 609-258-3000
Frequently Asked Questions
The frequently asked questions about Princeton University’s acceptance rate are as follows.
What is the acceptance rate at Princeton University?
The acceptance rate at Princeton University is 5.8% which is extremely selective.
Is it hard to get into Princeton University?
The acceptance rate at Princeton is very competitive and only the best students at the top of their class in high school have a better chance of being admitted. Princeton’s requirements for GPA, SAT, and ACT are also selective.
However, you can increase your chances of getting into Princeton by applying via Early Action.
What GPA do you need to get into Princeton University?
The average GPA requirement at Princeton University is 3.9. If your GPA is below what Princeton requires, you will need a higher Standardized (SAT/ACT) test score to compensate for your low GPA or you can take hard courses such as AP or IB.
Conclusion
Princeton University is one of the best and most prestigious institutions in the world. The New Jersey-based University offers decorative degree programs at undergraduate and graduate levels through school at the University’s main campus.
The acceptance rate at Princeton University is very competitive and if you want to be the next freshman at the institution, your best chances are dependent on good grades.
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- US University Application Deadline for International Students
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- What Are The 12 Ivy League Schools and Their Ranking?
- How to get into an Ivy League School and their Acceptance Rate
References
- U.S. News & World Report: Princeton University
- TopUniversities: Princeton University]
- Times Higher Education: Princeton University
- Crimesoneducation: Princeton Withholds Admissions Stats For Class Of 2027