Academics
This is not a list of admission requirements. However, we expect students will complete the following courses before beginning study at Princeton:
- Four years of English (including continued practice in writing)
- Four years of mathematics (including calculus for students interested in engineering)
- Four years of one foreign language
- At least two years of history
Whenever you can, challenge yourself with the most rigorous courses possible, such as honors, Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-enrollment courses. We will evaluate the International Baccalaureate (IB), A-levels or another diploma in the context of the program’s curriculum.
Standardized Test
- SAT or ACT. If you choose to submit testing applicants should take the SAT or the ACT by the December date.
- SAT Subject Tests. Princeton does not require SAT Subject Tests. If you chose to sit for a Subject Test and wish to submit the score, you may do so.
English Language Requirements
If English is not your native language and you are attending a school where English is not the language of instruction, you must take:
- TOEFL or
- IELTS Academic or
- PTE Academic
You are not required to take the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic if English is your native language or if you have spent at least three years at a secondary school where English is the primary language of instruction.
Counselor Recommendation
Two 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.
- The subjects should be in core academic areas, such as English, foreign language, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences or math.
Extracurricular Activity and Work Experience
Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you.
Graded Written Paper
We are asking students to submit a graded written paper as part of their application to Princeton, with the following guidelines:
- The paper should be writing done for an academic course, preferably an English, social studies or history course, during the last three years of secondary school, including senior year.
- You may send a paper, essay, research paper, or essay exam. We are interested in seeing expository writing only, not creative writing.
- One to two pages in length is sufficient.
- The paper should include the course instructor’s grade, and comments if your instructor provided any.
Interview
Princeton offers optional alumni interviews. Interviews take place after the Admission Office has received your application.