Abstract: Princeton University
A quick overview of the key admissions information for New Jersey's Ivy League representative.
This is one of the 490 schools featured in the Admissions Abstract College Guide 2025-2026, which will be published as an e-book in August. All paid subscribers to The Admissions Abstract on Substack will get a copy.
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Private | Doctoral University
Religious Affiliation: None
Undergraduates: 5,671
Total Enrollment: 8,922
Student Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Athletics:
Tigers
NCAA Division I
Ivy League
Tuition: $62,688
Total Cost: $86,988
Average Net Price: $19,811
Financial Aid: $60,629
Admissions Infomation:
Applicants: 40,468
Percent Accepted: 5%
Average High School GPA: 3.95
SAT 25th Percentile | SAT Median | SAT 75th Percentile
1500 | 1530 | 1560
ACT 25th Percentile | ACT Median | ACT 75th Percentile
34 | 35 | 35
Test Optional
Application Information
Application Portal: Common Application
Early Action Deadline: November 1
Early Decision Deadline: N/A
Regular Decision Deadline: January 1
Recommendations: Two (2) Teacher Recommendations. Please ask two of your teachers who have taught you in higher level courses (e.g., AP, IB Higher/Standard Level, A-Levels, etc.) in different academic areas of study to complete and send the teacher recommendation forms, available on the Common Application website. The subjects should be in core academic areas, such as English, language, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences or math.
Supplemental Essays:
Please note: Princeton also requires you to submit a graded written paper as part of your application.
For A.B. Degree Applicants or Those Who Are Undecided
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? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)
For B.S.E Degree Applicants
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. (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)
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? (Please respond in 500 words or fewer.)
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? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)
Please respond to each question in 50 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!
What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
What brings you joy?
What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?