Guide to Applying to Princeton University as an International Student for an Undergraduate Degree
Princeton University, located in Princeton, New Jersey, is a private Ivy League research university. It has been ranked number one among the US National Universities by US News. Getting into Princeton University is like a dream come true and for that, you need a strong application. There are certain admission requirements that you need to fulfill to get accepted into this university. Below are the details of admission requirements for Princeton University.
English Proficiency Test Requirements
For students whose native language isn’t English or who studied at a college where the language of instruction isn’t English, they are required to submit English Proficiency Test scores. Princeton University currently accepts scores of these tests:
- TOEFL
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
There is no minimum score requirement, as per the university norms.
ACT/SAT Requirements
These are the two standardized tests that put all the applicants at the same level. It is not compulsory to take both the tests but taking at least one is mandatory. There is a certain range for the average least marks that the university prefers.
Test | Score Range | Average Score Required |
ACT | 1-36 | 32-35 |
SAT | 400-1600 | 1470-1590 |
Attempting the optional writing part is not mandatory in the ACT and SATs.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
Princeton University grants financial aid to its students and the average aid amount per student is around $49,643. Below are the tuition fee and estimated cost of living. Always make sure you confirm the tuition fee on the university’s official website.
Annual Cost | In US Dollars | In Indian Rupees |
Tuition Fee | $49,055 | ₹ 34,33,850 |
Living Expenses | $18,520 | ₹ 12,96,400 |
Total | $67,575 | ₹ 47,30,250 |
The conversion from USD to INR has been made with $1 = ₹70. The cost may vary with the varying exchange rate.
Application Portal
Princeton University lets you submit your application through the Common Application and Coalition Application portals. The college considers applications from both the portals equally which means you can choose whichever one you prefer. Make sure to read all the guidelines of the application portals first so that you can make yourself comfortable.
Essay Prompts
Students applying to Princeton University must submit Princeton’s supplemental essays on the Common or the Coalition Application portal. Mentioned below are the essay prompts.
All applicants must submit these essays:
Prompt 1:
Word Limit: 200 words
“Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you.”
Prompt 2:
Word Limit: 350 words
“At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future?”
Prompt 3:
Word Limit: 350 words
“Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals.”
Short Answer Essays
Word Limit: 50 words
- “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?”
For Applicants Pursuing an A.B. Degree (or are Undecided):
Word Limit: 350 words
“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?”
For Applicants Pursuing a B.S.E. Degree:
Word Limit: 350 words
“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.”
College Application Deadlines
Keeping track of deadlines will allow you to fill out the application on time. If missed, you will have to wait for another semester or year to submit them all over again. The deadlines for submitting applications for Princeton University are:
Application Deadline | Decision | |
Early Action Deadline | November 1 | – |
Regular Decision | January 1 | April 1 |
Conclusion
Getting into Princeton University is highly competitive as it is a prestigious university. Your application should speak volumes about your interest in attending the university. UniRely has student mentors studying at Ivy Leagues including Princeton. You can rest assured that you’ll receive the right guidance and increase your chances of admission by talking to student mentors from UniRely. Sign up for free and start your application!