Princeton University Admissions Guide

Princeton University, renowned for being one of the smaller institutions within the Ivy League, is often celebrated for its intimate setting. Hosting fewer than 5,000 undergraduates, it’s a community where every face is familiar. The university’s selectivity is evident in its admissions process: out of an impressive 15,726 applications, only about 1,601 are accepted annually. This select group is academically elite, with nearly 94% of admitted students having graduated in the top 10% of their high school class, boasting an average GPA of 3.83. SAT scores for this cohort are equally impressive, spanning from 1370 to 1560.

In this Princeton University Admissions guide, we take a look at everything you need to know about gaining acceptance to this close-knit school.

Key Facts About Princeton Admission

Princeton Academic Offerings and Rigor

Princeton awards two undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), offering 35 majors across various disciplines. Popular choices among students include public and international affairs, politics, history, economics, finance, and engineering. All students, regardless of major, embark on significant independent projects culminating in a senior thesis and a mandatory junior paper.

The university operates on a unique academic calendar that compresses a semester’s worth of work into just twelve weeks, a pace some students jokingly refer to as “cruel and unusual punishment.” Final exams for the first semester take place after a well-deserved spring break.

Campus and Community Life

Princeton’s campus is nestled in the peaceful and picturesque town of Princeton, New Jersey. The university’s grounds, with their sprawling lawns and striking neo-gothic buildings, are often buzzing with activity, reflecting the town’s symbiotic relationship with the institution.

At Princeton, there’s a balance between academia and social life that many students appreciate. Social circles tend to form around shared interests, leading to a diverse array of cliques. While some students find this environment cozy, others perceive it as exclusive.

Nightlife in Princeton may be subdued compared to larger cities, but the town boasts an array of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and bookstores for students to explore. Campus life is vibrant, with over 200 student organizations, including the historic American Whig-Cliosophic Society. Athletic life is robust, with the Princeton Tigers participating in a wide range of varsity and intramural sports.

Parties, live performances, and music events are staples of campus life. In lieu of Greek life, Princeton has unique eating clubs that serve as social and dining hubs. The proximity to New York City also offers endless weekend adventures for those looking to escape the quiet town life.

The Positive

Princeton’s commitment to socio-economic diversity is evident through its no-loan policy, creating a campus that’s rich in perspectives. The university fosters a studious environment imbued with a sense of intellectual tradition.

The ease of access to New York City means that students never feel limited by Princeton’s quieter setting. The city’s vast social scene is just a train ride away, offering an exciting escape for those craving urban excitement.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the close-knit community, some students feel challenged by the cliquish nature of social groups. The intensity of the academic schedule can also be a source of stress, with students needing to manage their studies through what should be restful breaks.

In conclusion, Princeton offers a unique Ivy League experience that’s as academically rigorous as it is socially enriching. While its fast-paced academic calendar and distinct social structures may not suit everyone, the university provides an environment where scholarly pursuits and camaraderie go hand in hand.

Gaining Admission to Princeton University

Princeton University’s admissions process remains one of the most competitive in the world. The following information provides a closer look at what Princeton expects from its prospective students:

Princeton Acceptance Rate

Princeton’s acceptance rate is a reflection of its stature and the intense competition for admission. While the exact rate for the 2023 cycle is not quoted here, historical data suggests it hovers around 4-6%.

Grade Point Average

A high GPA is a critical factor in the admissions equation at Princeton. The average GPA of enrolled students is 3.9, indicating that applicants typically need to be at the pinnacle of their high school class and excel in rigorous AP or IB courses to be competitive​

​The 2023 GPA for Princeton is 3.9.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Princeton’s average SAT score for admitted students is an impressive 1505 out of 1600, making it “Extremely Competitive” for SAT test scores​

The middle 50% of SAT scores for admitted students range from 1440 to 1570, with the math section ranging from 730 to 800 and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section from 710 to 770​

SAT Requirements and Rules at Princeton

Princeton follows the “Highest Section” or “superscoring” policy for SAT scores, allowing applicants to submit their highest section scores across all SAT test dates​.

ACT Requirements for Princeton

The middle 50% of ACT scores have typically been between 33 and 35, as reflected in recent admissions statistics​.