Princeton University : Applying for Admission

Applying for Admission

Princeton’s admission process goes beyond simply looking for academically accomplished students. For each freshman class, we bring together a varied mix of high-achieving, intellectually gifted students from diverse backgrounds to create an exceptional learning community. We care about what students have accomplished in and out of the classroom. The process is highly selective. In recent years, we've offered admission to less than 10 percent of applicants. 

As you prepare your application, help us to appreciate your talents, academic accomplishments and personal achievements. We'll ask for your transcript and recommendations, and we will want to know more than just the statistics in your file. Tell us your story. Show us what’s special about you. Tell us how you would seize the academic and non-academic opportunities at Princeton and contribute to the Princeton community. Above all, please write in a style that reflects your own voice.

How to Apply

Princeton accepts the Common Application and the Universal College Application. Princeton treats them both equally. To apply using the Common Application, you will need to submit both the Common Application and Princeton’s writing supplement to the Common Application through the Common Application website. Although applying online is preferred, you also may apply by paper. A PDF of the application is available, as well as a PDF of the Princeton Supplement to the Common Application.

To apply online using the Universal College Application, please visit the Universal College Application website, where you will find the First-Year Admissions Application and Princeton Supplement to the Universal College Application. If you prefer to apply by paper, a PDF of the application is available on the Universal College Application website, as well as a PDF of the Princeton Supplement to the Universal College Application.

When to Apply

You have two choices for applying to Princeton -- single-choice early action or regular decision. Before you begin preparing your application, we strongly encourage you to review our standardized testing policy, which includes detailed information regarding our standardized testing requirements. 

Who Can Apply

We accept students who will begin their freshman year in the fall. Princeton does not offer spring semester entry or a transfer admission option. If you already have started a college or university degree program elsewhere, you are not eligible to apply for admission to Princeton.

If a student has submitted an application on three separate occasions, the Office of Admission generally will not review subsequent applications. In these instances, if an application fee was submitted, it will be returned.

Fee Waiver

You may request a fee waiver if you are applying for financial aid and the cost of applying to Princeton represents a financial hardship for your family. Please note that applying for a fee waiver will not disadvantage your application in any way.

To request a waiver, select the fee waiver option in the Common Application or the Universal College Application. Your college or guidance counselor must approve your fee waiver request online or submit your fee waiver form by mail or fax.

In addition to the Common Application and Universal College Application fee waivers, Princeton also accepts the College Board, NACAC, or Realize Your College Potential fee waiver forms. Those participating in the QuestBridge program also may request a fee waiver. 

Undocumented or DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) Students

Princeton’s admission and financial aid policies are the same for undocumented or DACA students as they are for all other students applying to the University for admission or financial aid.

The University’s generous need-based financial aid program applies equally to all applicants. If admitted, undocumented students can be confident that their full financial need, as determined by the financial aid office, will be met.

We encourage undocumented students to consult with the Office of Admission and the Office of Financial Aid if they have any questions about our process.

Veterans' Benefits

Princeton University welcomes applications from veterans and dependents who are eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which include the Yellow Ribbon Program, and complies with the principles outlined in Executive Order 13607.

Princeton participates fully in the Yellow Ribbon program without limitation on the number of students who are eligible. The executive order addresses key areas relating to federal military and veterans educational benefits programs.

Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services offers a range of services to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to Princeton's academic and extracurricular opportunities.

The Disability Services staff is available to meet with prospective students who are visiting the campus. Also, for more information you may visit the office's Website.

The University's admission process involves a holistic review of each applicant's entire file. No particular factor is assigned a fixed weight; rather, the process involves a highly individualized assessment of the applicant's talents, achievements and his or her potential to contribute to learning at Princeton. Please see the Joint Statement on Common Ivy Group Admission Procedures for more information about admission policies.

From: http://admission.princeton.edu/applyingforadmission