Princeton University Admissions
Princeton University is an Ivy League research university renowned for its academic rigor and selectivity. It is one of the most competitive institutions globally, showcasing an acceptance rate of 6%. Gaining admission requires exceptional academic performance, a strong extracurricular profile, and a compelling personal narrative. While Princeton emphasizes a holistic review process, academic excellence remains a paramount factor.
Undergraduate Programs
- Princeton does not have a specific GPA requirement, but given the extremely competitive nature of the applicant pool, students typically possess near-perfect GPAs.
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) are considered, though not determinative.
- A rigorous curriculum, including advanced placement or honors courses, is essential.
Graduate Programs
- Princeton’s graduate programs vary in admission criteria, but a stellar academic record is uniformly expected.
- International applicants seeking admission at Princeton are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.9 out of 4.0 (99% aggregate).
- Like other Ivy League institutions, research experience, publications, and strong letters of recommendation are highly valued.
Admission to both undergraduate and graduate programs at Princeton is exceptionally competitive, and a well-rounded application is crucial for success.
Application Fee | UG: 75 USD PG: 75 USD |
Acceptance Rate (UG) | 6% |
ELP Tests Accepted |
|
Standardized Test Scores (PG) | GMAT | GRE |
International Application Deadlines | UG:
PG: Varies as per courses |
Princeton University Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs
Princeton University offers over 300 advanced degrees across 45 departments and programs. International students seeking admission at Princeton University will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 or 85% (for most courses)
- English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL IBT- 108
- IELTS- 8.0
- Test Scores:
- GMAT- 600-720+
- GRE- 163+ [Quant] | 161+ [Verbal]
Documents Checklist
- Essay
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Transcripts
- Fall Semester Grades
- Statement of Financial Resources
- Statement of Purpose
Princeton University Graduate Program Requirements
The following table will give details about the specific admission requirements for international students seeking admission at Princeton University:
|
Programs |
Degree Requirements and aggregate |
Test Scores |
Documents Required |
|
M.S In Computer Science |
Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA (85%) |
Not required |
2 Essays in 250 words | Statement of Purpose |
|
Master of Finance |
Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA (85%) |
GMAT Score of 600-720+ |
Personal Statement | 3 LORs | |
|
Master of Architecture |
Bachelor’s degree |
Not required |
3 Work Samples | Statement of Academic Purpose | Design Portfolio |
|
MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering |
GRE score of 298 (Average) |
LOR | SOP | Resume/CV |
|
MEng in Electrical Engineering |
Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering |
GRE score of 298 (Average) |
LOR | SOP | Resume/CV |
Princeton University Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs
Princeton University offers 39 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 36 majors within 16 broad fields of study. International students seeking an undergraduate degree at Princeton University will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- Secondary school qualification with 3.9 GPA or 98% (average)
- English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL IBT- 90-100
- IELTS- 8.0
- Test Scores:
- SAT- 1490–1580 (average)
- ACT- 33-35 (average)
Documents Checklist
- Official transcripts and school reports
- Graded written paper from high school
- Academic letter of recommendation (1 from a guidance counselor, 2 from teachers)
- Princeton’s specific questions
Princeton University Application Deadlines
The application deadline for graduate and PhD programs is different for each program. On the other hand all undergraduate programs have the same deadline for all of its programs. International students have to fill and submit their application before the following application deadline:
|
Intake |
Deadline |
|
Single-Choice Early Action |
1 November, 2024 |
|
Regular Decision |
1 January, 2025 |
Princeton University Selection Criteria
Princeton University considers many factors when selecting applicants, including academic record, standardized testing, and extracurricular activities:
- Academic record
Princeton has high academic standards, but academic record alone isn’t the only criterion for selection. The median unweighted GPA for Princeton University is 3.95.
- Standardized testing
Princeton doesn’t have a minimum test score requirement, but standardized testing is one element of the application review. In 2022, some say that a score of 32 or higher on the ACT was important for admission.
- Extracurricular activities
Applicants should have a record of participating in extracurricular activities where they demonstrated leadership abilities.
- Recommendation letters
These letters help admissions officers get a more holistic view of the applicant.
- Essay
The college essay is a crucial part of the application process, allowing applicants to showcase their personality, writing skills, and fit with the university.
- Personal statement
This statement is used to assess written English and motivation for studying the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get accepted to Princeton University?
The university employs no minimum test scores for admission; rather, the entirety of a student’s background is considered in context. To get through graduate admissions at Princeton University you need a 4-year bachelor’s degree with 3.0 or above.
Is Princeton University Ivy league?
Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university, founded in 1746. The eight Ivy League schools are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University.
How long does it take Princeton University to issue admission decisions?
Princeton University issues admissions decisions for UG in mid-December (Early Action) and late-March (Regular Decision). For graduate programs, the decision is typically made in mid-March every year.
What does Princeton look for in a candidate?
Princeton University looks for students with intellectual curiosity, who have pursued and achieved academic excellence. They also look for students with strong personal and extracurricular accomplishments.
What GPA do you need to get into Princeton University?
Princeton University does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, admitted students typically have very high GPAs, ranging from 3.9 to 4.0, with an average GPA of 3.92.
Is Princeton really hard to get into?
Princeton University has an acceptance rate of 6%, indicating a highly selective admission process. International applicants seeking admission at Princeton are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.9 out of 4.0 (99% aggregate).
