Princeton Admissions 2026: SAT Scores, Academic Index & Tier 1 ECs

Princeton University is a private institution that was founded in 1746. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,773 (fall 2020), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 600 acres. Princeton, among the oldest colleges in the U.S., is in the quiet town of Princeton, New Jersey.

The most popular majors at Princeton University include Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Physical Sciences, History, Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, English Language and Literature and Philosophy and Religious Studies.

Princeton Motto

“In the nation’s service and the service of humanity”. The value of service is central to the mission of Princeton as a liberal arts university. Princeton believes in infusing the passions and pursuits of its students, faculty, staff and alumni in serving its community.

The University has reinforced its commitment to helping students and alumni use their education to not only benefit themselves but also society more broadly. Princeton pushes students, faculty and alumni to think about how their research, education and lives will benefit the nation, the world and humanity, and gives them the support and resources to make it happen. 

Important Factors in Admission Decision

Princeton considers the following “very important” factors in admission decisions:

• Course rigor

• Class rank

• Standardized test scores

• Application essay

• Recommendation letters

• Extracurricular activities

• Talent/ability

• Character/personal qualities

The following additional factors are “considered”:

• Interview

• First-generation student

• Alumni/ae relation

• Geographic residence

• Racial/ethnic status

• Volunteer work

• Work experience

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Princeton University

1. Achieve a high GPA while taking the most challenging classes available

Princeton considers academic excellence very important while making admission decisions. It is important for students to not only possess outstanding grades but for those grades to come in challenging courses. Many students accepted to Princeton usually take 8 to 12 advanced courses in high school. Advanced Placement or AP exams are conducted by the College Board (same global body that conducts SAT) every year in a wide variety of college-level subjects ranging from Calculus and Computer Science to Art History and English Composition. The main aim of AP exams is to test your ability and acumen to measure up to the rigors of undergraduate curriculum in US and other global universities. Typically, international students appear for AP exams at the beginning of their grade 12. Students interested in Engineering usually appear for Calculus, Physics, Computer Science or Chemistry. Students interested in Business Studies usually appear for Calculus, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Statistics. Students interested in Medicine usually appear for Biology, Psychology, Chemistry and Environmental Science.

Another reason why Princeton applicants need great grades is that selective schools use a tool called the ‘Academic Index’ to filter out their enormous number of applicants. At its most basic, the Academic Index is a distillation of a student’s academic performance (grades and test scores) into a single number. Highly selective universities use this (or a similar) metric to filter out students that don’t meet their academic standards.

2. Aim for a 1560 SAT and 35+ ACT

While Princeton operated under a test-optional policy till recently, the university has officially announced a return to mandatory standardized testing beginning with the 2027–28 cycle (Fall 2028 entry). For those applying for Fall 2026 and 2027, testing remains optional but highly recommended. The data is clear: Princeton’s admitted students continue to demonstrate extraordinary testing performance, and submitting a high score remains one of the most effective ways to validate your academic rigor in a global applicant pool.

For the Class of 2028, the middle 50% SAT range was 1470–1560, while the ACT range was 33–35. However, a "good" score is relative to your intended major. For instance, 97% of admitted students scored between 700–800 on the SAT Math section. If you are applying to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) program, a near-perfect 790 or 800 in Math is essentially the baseline for competitiveness.

To truly stand out, you should aim for the 75th percentile—a 1560+ SAT or a 35+ ACT. Scoring at this level moves you from "qualified" to "preferred," signaling to admissions officers that you can handle Princeton’s notoriously intense "grade deflation" and rigorous Senior Thesis requirement. Princeton does superscore the SAT (taking your best section scores across multiple sittings) but only considers the highest composite score from a single sitting for the ACT. International students should also note that if English is not your primary language of instruction, a high SAT/ACT score does not replace the need for a TOEFL (100+), IELTS (7.0+), or Duolingo (130+) result.

3. Explore your favorite subjects via Research Papers

One common factor that we have noted in the resumes of students admitted to the Ivy Leagues and other top colleges is the prevalence of research work while still in high school. In this article we explain how and why exposure to research helps students and the key steps in planning and writing high quality research papers.

There are three main reasons, as to why Research Papers help students stand out. A high-quality research paper shows that you have the energy and the initiative to go beyond what is taught in the class and apply it to real life problems. It shows that your interest in the subject extends beyond the questions provided at the end of the chapter. Secondly, you learn the discipline of not rushing intuitively to the likely answer, instead using a deliberate process in which you are guided by the data. Lastly, in working with a skilled professor or mentor you learn how to organize your thoughts better, ask the right questions and try to answer those questions in the best way possible subject to the constraints. A good work product provides an insight into your mind, thought process and way of working.

4. Cultivate One or Two Tier 1-2 Extracurriculars (find your “niche”)

Extracurricular activities are essential to your Princeton application, but not all involvements carry the same weight. Admissions officers use a four-tier framework to evaluate the rarity and impact of your commitments. Princeton specifically looks for a "Spike"—extraordinary excellence in a specific niche—rather than a "well-rounded" list of superficial memberships.

• Tier 1: Rare & Exceptional (National/International Impact). These are the most prestigious activities, demonstrating world-class talent. Examples include winning the Regeneron Science Talent Search, medaling at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), or founding a social enterprise with documented national reach.

• Tier 2: High Achievement & Leadership (State/Regional Impact). These show significant leadership and success but are more common than Tier 1. Examples include being Student Body President, making an All-State athletic selection, or attending a highly selective program like Governor’s School.

• Tier 3: Solid Participation & Local Leadership. These demonstrate commitment but lack major distinction. Examples include serving as a Varsity Team Captain, a club officer, or the editor of your school newspaper.

• Tier 4: Common Participation. These are standard activities that most applicants possess, such as general club membership, instrumental lessons, or standard volunteering hours.

The Strategic Goal: Most admitted Princeton students have reached Tier 1 or 2 status in at least one or two areas. Instead of joining ten clubs, focus your energy on achieving depth and measurable impact in a field you are passionate about. Princeton views high-level achievement in a specific domain as evidence that you possess the Intellectual Vitality to make a significant future contribution to their community.

5. Commitment to society and giving back

Princeton-sponsored service programs offer positive ways for students, faculty and staff to engage with the larger community. Among many initiatives supported by the University community are opportunities to serve as firefighters, donate bikes, food and clothing for charities, promote sustainability and environmental stewardship and host educational and commemorative events, such as for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

6. Write engaging essays

Essays are the best way to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Princeton requires all applicants to submit three essays and three short responses. Students applying for a Bachelor of Arts, or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree are also required to submit an essay about why they’ve chosen the major. Princeton also requires the submission of a graded academic paper. This graded academic paper should be submitted in English and can come from O- or A-level coursework, so long as this student-written essay meets all the other requirements listed. The graded written paper and teacher comments must be written in English.

Research the University and the faculty of the department you are planning to join. Explain in your essay how your values tie with the expectations of the university and how you expect to utilize the knowledge to make the world a better place.

Also research the extra-curricular activities and the clubs in that university and how you will spend your time outside the classroom.

There are many different types of extra – curricular activities and clubs available for students to enjoy themselves and learn something new.

1. Advertise This: Advertise This is Princeton’s first and only marketing club. Its mission is to increase awareness of jobs available to students in marketing and to provide students with the skills needed to thrive in any industry. This is both a career opportunity organization and a media club. Students learn from both professionals in the industry and from their peers.

2. Fuzzy Dice: Fuzzy Dice, also known as Princeton’s (Self-Proclaimed) Most Attractive Improv Group, was the first improv group on campus to offer both long-form and short-form improv. While Fuzzy Dice emphasizes hard work and quality improv, having fun is equally important to its members. Fuzzy Dice has performed at campuses and theatres all across the U.S. There are also several improv shows on campus per semester.

3. Stripe Magazine: Stripe Magazine is Princeton’s first online and on-campus fashion magazine.  Students can apply to be writers, photographers, editors, models, and stylists for the magazine. The goal of Stripe Magazine is to lend a medium for students to voice their unique opinions about fashion.

4. Institute for Chocolate Studies: This organization is Princeton’s first student-run bean-to-bar chocolate factory. Students have the opportunity to learn about the chocolate-making process and make their own chocolate to take home

There are different extracurricular activities and clubs present in the campus. There is something for everyone. And best of all everyone is invited. Students could take up different activities or join a sorority. Joining a sport or activity helps students meet other like-minded people who share common interests with them. It is a good way to make friends.

No matter what college you’re applying to, it’s important to write in your voice and demonstrate why you belong at that school. Princeton considers character/personal qualities “very important”, and the essay is an ideal place to spotlight your best character traits and qualities and how the university will benefit from having you on campus.

7. Apply Early Action

Princeton’s Single-choice early action is non-binding which means that the applicant is not required to attend if admitted—however, it is limiting. Applicants who apply for single-choice early action at Princeton are restricted from applying to an early program at any other private college or university.

• REA might be a good option for a student if all of the following apply:

• They have identified Princeton as their first choice.

• They have taken a challenging academic schedule through grade 11 and have done well.

• They have sufficient time before the November 1, REA deadline to write compelling essays.

• If you are applying to Princeton under Restrictive Early Action, you may not apply to any other private institution under an Early Decision, Early Action, or Restrictive Early Action plan, or to a binding early program at a public university.

• You are welcome to apply early to any public university, military academy, or university outside of the United States under a non-binding program.

• Additionally, you are able to apply to other universities under their Regular Decision or Early Decision II programs.

• If your application is deferred in the early action round, you may apply to a binding early decision program at another college (i.e. Early Decision II).

• You may apply for scholarships or special academic programs with an early deadline at another institution, public or private, if the timing is proven to be a necessary aspect for consideration, and the outcome is non-binding.

8. Recommendation Letters

Princeton considers recommendations “very important” and requires two of them—

• Teachers – Required 2

• High School Counsellor Required

• Other Evaluations – Optional 2

You should approach your high school teachers several months in advance. Requesting a letter of recommendation from a teacher is a big ask—they’re busy and don’t get paid to write recommendations. Make it easy for your recommenders by giving them plenty of time, providing them with as much relevant information as possible.

9. Bonus - The Princeton 'Spike': Beyond Grades and Into Service 

To truly distinguish yourself, your application must pivot from individual achievement to communal impact. Princeton is unique among its peers for requiring a Graded Written Paper—a high-school essay with actual teacher grades and comments included. This isn't just a check on your literacy; it is an audit of your Intellectual Vitality. For a Tier-1 profile, choose a paper from your junior or senior year in a core academic subject (Humanities or Social Sciences are preferred) where your teacher’s feedback highlights your original thinking rather than just your adherence to a rubric. Simultaneously, you must breathe life into Princeton’s motto: "In the Nation's Service and the Service of Humanity." In 2026, the admissions committee is moving away from "resume-padding" volunteerism in favor of sustained civic engagement. Whether you are applying for the B.S.E. in Engineering or an A.B. in Public Policy, your narrative must demonstrate how you intend to use your "Spike" to solve a specific societal problem. By aligning your Restrictive Early Action (REA) strategy with a portfolio that showcases both your ability to handle Princeton’s rigorous Senior Thesis culture and your dedication to the service of others, you transform from a high-stats applicant into a mission-driven leader that the Orange and Black community cannot afford to turn away.

The primary criterion for admission to Princeton is academic excellence. Princeton wants students who are committed, dedicated, passionate, have potential to succeed and with a genuine interest in expanding their intellectual horizon. Following the guidelines above will help you present your best self to Princeton University and maximize your admission chances.

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Harvard Admission Edge 2026 : Intellectual Vitality & Academic Index

EZScholar is an expert university admissions consultant and test prep organization which works with bright and ambitious students seeking admissions to Ivy Leagues, Oxbridge, Stanford, MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Toronto and other top global universities. Our experts have helped thousands of students with their profile building, research papers, extracurriculars, co-curriculars, test prep and admissions essays. We provide students with personalized support for applications, essays, and SOPs to ensure their unique voice shines through. Our comprehensive test prep helps students achieve their best possible SAT scores and impress their dream university. Our Bespoke Research Paper program helps differentiate students' university applications, demonstrating a high level of academic curiosity and rigor.