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How To Get Into Princeton: An Admissions Guide for UK students
12/12/2023•25 minute read
While the low acceptance rates at Princeton University may seem discouraging, it's important to remain optimistic and determined to pursue your academic aspirations.
This blog will delve into Princeton's acceptance rates and admissions requirements for UK students to maximise your chances and find the best way to get accepted. Don't let the competition deter you; if Princeton is your dream university, this blog will guide you towards achieving that goal.
How Hard Is It to Get into Princeton?
While Princeton is one of the toughest universities to get into, it’s not impossible! Princeton withheld its admission stats for the Class of 2027, but the acceptance rate for the Class of 2026 was 5.7% and plummeted to 4.4% for the Class of 2025.
To get admitted, meeting the minimum requirements isn’t enough - your application has to stand out.
Princeton Overall Acceptance Rate
| Class of | Accepted Students | Number of Applications | Overall Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Withheld | Withheld | ~5.8% |
| 2026 | 2,167 | 38,019 | 5.7% |
| 2025 | 1,647 | 37,601 | 4.4% |
| 2024 | 1,823 | 32,836 | 5.6% |
| 2023 | 1,895 | 32,804 | 5.8% |
| 2022 | 1,941 | 35,370 | 5.5% |
| 2021 | 1,890 | 31,056 | 6.1% |
| 2020 | 1,894 | 29,303 | 6.5% |
| 2019 | 1,908 | 27,290 | 7% |
| 2018 | 1,939 | 26,641 | 7.3% |
What Is Princeton Looking for?
1. Academic Achievement
Princeton is looking for UK students with outstanding academic records. This includes high grades in rigorous courses, high scores on standardised tests like the A-Levels and International Baccalaureate (IB) and a record of excelling academically throughout secondary school.
2. Intellectual Curiosity
Princeton seeks students who are passionate about learning and have a demonstrated intellectual curiosity. This can be shown through a love of reading, participation in academic competitions or research, or a history of pursuing independent intellectual projects.
3. Leadership and Initiative
Princeton values students who have taken on leadership roles and demonstrated initiative in pursuing their interests. This can be shown through involvement in supercurriculars, volunteer work, or work experience.
4. Character and Integrity
Princeton seeks students of strong character who demonstrate integrity, honesty, and respect for others. This can be shown through community service projects, leadership positions in clubs or organisations, or written responses on the application.
5. Cultural Fit
Princeton looks for applicants who will contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of the campus community. This can be shown through experiences and activities that celebrate cultural traditions or differences.
What Do You Need to Get into Princeton?
Strong Academics
The average GPA score of admitted students at Princeton University is approximately 4.0, indicating that the majority of successful applicants earned mostly A grades at school. In fact, 60% of admitted students had a GPA of at least 4.0.
For students from the UK, it’s important to demonstrate strong performance in A-Levels or IBs. The academic expectations of Ivy League universities are notably high.
Princeton University also recommends that secondary school students pursue a challenging and rigorous course of study to prepare for university-level coursework. This may include advanced and honours courses, as well as courses in key subject areas such as maths, science, English, history, and foreign languages.
Recommended Courses for Princeton
| Course | Recommended Units* |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Mathematics | 4 |
| Foreign Language | 4 |
| Science | 4 |
| Laboratory Science | 2 |
| Social Studies | 2 |
| Performing Arts | 1 |
*The recommended number of years of study in each subject area for students applying to Princeton.
You can use Crimson’s A-Level & IB to GPA Converter - a sophisticated online tool designed to accurately convert your A-Level and IB scores into a guideline GPA.
Standardised Test Scores
Despite being test-optional until at least the admission cycle of 2025, high SAT and ACT scores remain a valuable addition to your application at Princeton. Scoring well on these tests can help your application stand out among the competitive pool of applicants.
For the Class of 2025, 56% of applicants submitted their SAT scores while 35% submitted their ACT scores. While Princeton does not require standardised test scores for admission, these numbers indicate that a significant portion of successful applicants still choose to submit them.
If you do choose to submit your scores, aim for a score that is competitive with the average test scores of previously admitted students, which was approximately 1500 for the SAT and 34 for the ACT.
Remember that your standardised test scores are only one factor considered in the admissions process, and the admissions committee also evaluates other aspects of your application including GPA, supercurricular activities, leadership experience, character, and cultural fit.
SAT Scores of Princeton Students
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | |
|---|---|---|
| ERBW | 720 | 770 |
| Math | 740 | 800 |
| Total | 1470 | 1560 |
ACT Scores of Princeton Students
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | |
|---|---|---|
| Math | 31 | 35 |
| English | 34 | 36 |
| Composite | 33 | 35 |
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are an essential aspect of your application to Princeton University. The admissions committee seeks students who have a well-rounded background and a passion for learning beyond the classroom.
Admitted students at Princeton typically have a strong record of involvement in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, theatre, community service, or other pursuits. They may have also demonstrated leadership skills by taking leadership positions in clubs or organisations. They should have made a positive impact on their communities and demonstrated a deep commitment to their activities.
Personal Statement and Supplemental Essays
The personal statement and supplemental essays are crucial parts of the application process for UK students applying to Princeton University. It provides a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, writing skills and fit with the university.
While applying through the Common App, you must answer the Common App essay prompts and Princeton's supplemental essay questions. Princeton admissions officers are looking for well-written, authentic, and unique essays that reveal who the student is, what matters to them, and what makes them stand out from others.
The admissions officers look for authentic students who can bring a diverse perspective to the campus community. Therefore, it is important to be true to oneself while writing the essay and not just write what one thinks the admissions officers want to hear. Students should choose a personal statement topic that represents their personality, interests, and perspective and present their best selves truthfully.
Recommendation Letters
For Princeton admissions officers, recommendation letters are a key component of the application process that helps to provide a more holistic view of the applicant. They can help to highlight an applicant's achievements, strengths, and unique qualities, which can set them apart from other applicants. High-quality recommendation letters can also provide insight into an applicant's character, work ethic, and potential to contribute positively to the Princeton community.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Princeton?
1. Apply Early
Applying early to Princeton University can significantly increase your chances of admission. Princeton tends to accept a higher percentage of students who apply early and offers both a single-choice early action program and an early decision program.
There are major benefits to applying early:
- Submitting an early application demonstrates a high level of interest and commitment to Princeton University. It can show the admissions officers that you are serious about attending their university.
- Applying early means you are competing with a smaller pool of applicants. By applying early, you have the advantage of being one of the first students considered for admission.
- If accepted through Early Decision (ED), you will receive your financial aid award earlier, giving you more time to plan and prepare for the costs of attending university.
It's important to note that applying early is a significant commitment. ED applications are binding, meaning you agree to enrol if accepted, so it's essential to only apply early if Princeton is your top choice.
2. Show Off Your Unique Perspective
You add depth and richness to your application by showcasing your unique perspective. Sharing your unique experiences and perspectives gives the admissions committee a better understanding of who you are as a person and what you can contribute to the Princeton community.
Princeton receives thousands of applications each year, and many of them have similar academic achievements and extracurricular activities. As you’re highlighting your unique perspective, you differentiate yourself from other applicants and show what makes you stand out.
Admissions officers want to see that you have a genuine interest in the subject matter and are not just trying to impress them. Showcase how you will contribute to the Princeton community. Princeton values students who can bring diverse perspectives to campus, so showcasing your unique perspective can demonstrate to the admissions officers how you will fit in
3. Submit your ACT/SAT Scores
Submitting your SAT/ACT scores to Princeton University can significantly increase your chances of admission. While Princeton is test-optional, submitting strong SAT or ACT scores can help strengthen your application, particularly if they are consistent with your academic achievements.
By submitting your SAT/ACT scores, you differentiate yourself from test-optional applicants, which is a growing trend among universities. Submitting test scores can show your dedication to academic excellence and your willingness to go above and beyond the requirements.
If you have any weak points in your application, such as a lower GPA, submitting strong SAT/ACT scores can help to compensate for them. A strong score can show that you can succeed academically despite any previous setbacks.
4. Work on a Research or Passion Project
At Princeton, demonstrating intellectual curiosity by participating in academic competitions, and working on research projects, or passion projects is highly valued. Intellectually curious students are more likely to think outside the box, challenge existing ideas and develop solutions to complex problems.
A great example would be joining the Indigo Research programme. Indigo Research is an online 1:1 mentorship programme for secondary school students with PhD students or postgraduates. When working with Indigo, students can build expertise, deepen their intellectual curiosity, and stand out on their applications through university-level research. During the collaboration with Indigo, students complete a research paper of publishable quality in just a few weeks!
Helpful Resources
- If you want to add rigorous coursework to your academic profile, consider taking some Online AP Courses at Crimson Global Academy.
- If you’re struggling to achieve high scores in your A-levels or IB, consider taking Online Tutoring with Princeton graduates who can help you reach your maximum academic potential.
- Enrol in a pre-university summer program to help you get a head start on your university education.
Is Princeton Right for You?
Princeton is an excellent university with countless academic and professional resources. But, it’s not for everyone. Don’t apply to Princeton only because of its elite name or because it’s part of the Ivy League. Choose Princeton because it speaks to you like no other university and offers the courses and programmes you need to succeed in your dream job.
If you think Princeton might not be the university of your dreams, you should consider another university in the Ivy League. Check out the best Ivy League universities in 2023. Still unsure where to start? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Getting into the Ivy League. Princeton admissions can tell if you’re passionate about their university or if you’re only applying because of their name.
But, after you’ve explored all your options, and your grades, extracurriculars, and career goals line up with Princeton’s mission, you should apply! But, remember, only a small percentage of applicants get into Princeton. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get accepted. Some of the world’s most brilliant and talented students do not get into this elite university.
Make sure you have a solid list of safety, target, and reach schools that fit your academic and career objectives. If you choose to apply to Princeton again, focus on improving the weaker aspects of your application, so your application is stronger than the next time!
Final Thoughts
Your reasons for choosing Princeton are as unique as the university. Maybe it’s the undergraduate opportunities, generous financial aid, or world-class teaching and research facilities. Or perhaps it’s the low student-to-faculty ratio or close-knit community. Whatever your reasons, Princeton is a first-class university and an ideal place to earn your degree.
If you’re hard-working, open-minded, and passionate about your interests, Princeton might be the perfect place for you.
What Makes Crimson Different
Frequently Asked Questions about Princeton
Is it hard to get into Princeton?
It’s tough to get into Princeton. More students are applying each year, with the school only accepting 5.7% of students for the Class of 2026.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Princeton?
Princeton University’s tuition is £45,881. Princeton is more expensive than the national average cost of tuition (£32,830). Princeton’s total cost for tuition and fees is around £63,544, but most students do not pay the full amount. Princeton offers ample financial aid based solely on need. They review each family’s financial circumstances to determine how much (if any) the family will pay out of pocket. Princeton uses grants to meet all financial aid. For more information about Princeton’s financial aid program, visit the financial aid program page.
What Is the Retention Rate for First-Year Students at Princeton?
Princeton has one of the highest freshman retention rates in the US. The freshman retention rate for Princeton University is 98%, and the national first-year average retention rate is 69%.
What Is the Average Salary for a Princeton Graduate?
The US Department of Education College Scorecard reports that the average salary for a Princeton graduate after ten years of working is £90,585. This salary is 232% higher than the national median.
