History and Legacy
Princeton University, founded in 1746, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the U.S., known for its academic excellence and influential alumni, including Presidents James Madison and Woodrow Wilson. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, it offers a rigorous liberal arts education and is renowned for groundbreaking research. The university fosters a strong community and emphasizes public service, with need-blind admissions and generous financial aid ensuring accessibility for talented students. Princeton's historic campus and global impact continue to shape leaders and innovators in various fields. It is ranked 22 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
Mission Statement
Princeton University advances learning through unparalleled scholarship, research, and teaching, with a focus on undergraduate and doctoral education and a commitment to serving the nation and the world. Key characteristics include:
- Academic Excellence: World-class programs in arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
- Innovation and Heritage:Commitment to free inquiry, new knowledge, and preserving cultural heritage.
- Community and Engagement:A nurturing environment fostering personal communication, diverse perspectives, and well-being.
- Unique Education: Distinctive liberal arts undergraduate program and a strong emphasis on doctoral education.
- Affordability and Support: Exceptional financial aid and an engaged alumni community ensuring accessibility and ongoing support.
- Global Education: Princeton is committed to providing students with a global perspective through various study abroad programs and international academic opportunities.
Princeton Supplemental Essays
Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you? (500 words)
Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals?
What is a new skill you would like to learn in college? (50 words)
What brings you joy? (50 words)
What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment? (50 words)
For Applicants Pursuing an A.B. Degree (or are Undecided): 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? Please respond in 250 words or fewer.
For Applicants Pursuing a B.S.E. Degree: 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. Please respond in 250 words or fewer.
International Students Mix in Princeton University
Princeton University has a diverse international student body, with approximately 23% of the total student enrollment, 42% of the total graduate student population and 12% of the total undergraduate population. This international community enriches the campus with a variety of cultural perspectives and experiences, contributing to the university's global environment. Princeton's commitment to global citizenship is evident in its various study abroad programs and cultural exchange opportunities, which foster cross-cultural understanding and language learning among students.
Tips for Applicants
- Academic Excellence:Focus on maintaining a strong GPA and excelling in challenging courses.
- Standardized Tests:Aim for top percentile scores on the SAT or ACT.
- Extracurricular Involvement:Engage deeply in a few activities, showing leadership and passion.
- Personal Essays: Write compelling and authentic essays that reflect your unique experiences and aspirations.
- Strong Recommendations: Seek recommendations from teachers and mentors who know you well and can speak to your strengths.
The Secret Tips that will actually get you into Princeton University
- Aim for High Standardized Test Scores: Aim for standardized test scores in the top percentile, with SAT scores above 1500 or ACT scores of 33 or higher. High test scores demonstrate your academic capability and are a critical component of a competitive application.
- Write Compelling and Authentic Personal Essays: Write compelling and authentic personal essays that reflect your personality, experiences, and aspirations. Tailor your essays to highlight why Princeton is the right fit for you and how you will contribute to the campus community.
- Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation: Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide strong, detailed letters of recommendation that speak to your strengths, character, and potential. Provide your recommenders with context about your accomplishments and what you hope they will highlight
- Demonstrate Genuine Interest in Princeton:Demonstrate genuine interest in Princeton by attending virtual or in-person events, taking campus tours, and participating in information sessions. Engaging with the university shows your commitment and can positively influence your application.
- Conduct Thorough Research on Princeton: Conduct thorough research on Princeton's programs, values, and campus culture. Ensure your application reflects a good fit with what Princeton seeks in its students, demonstrating your understanding and alignment with the university's mission.
- Consider Applying Early Action: Consider applying through Princeton's Single-Choice Early Action program if you are confident that Princeton is your top choice. Early Action applicants often have slightly higher acceptance rates, and applying early can demonstrate your strong interest in the university.
- Complete All Application Requirements on Time: Ensure all parts of your application are complete, accurate, and submitted on time, including financial aid forms. Princeton's need-blind admissions policy means that applying for financial aid will not affect your chances of admission, so make sure to apply for aid if needed.
Conclusion
Princeton University is renowned for its exceptional academic programs, world-class faculty, and a vibrant campus culture that fosters intellectual and personal growth. With a strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a commitment to producing future leaders, Princeton attracts some of the brightest minds from around the globe. Navigating the highly competitive admissions process can be challenging, but UniVisory offers expert guidance to help you craft a standout application. From personalized advice on academic and extracurricular preparation to detailed feedback on essays and interview preparation, UniVisory's comprehensive support services can significantly enhance your chances of gaining admission to this prestigious institution.