Princeton University, an Ivy League research university in Princeton, New Jersey, is the fourth oldest institution of higher education in the nation, founded in 1746. Students can choose from 37 different concentrations along with over 50 minors.
Ranked the #1 university in the nation by U.S. News and World Report this year, it’s no surprise that this prestigious college has a rigorous application, including several required supplemental essays.
TTA Top Tip: Princeton requires applicants to submit a graded written paper, in addition to answering these supplemental essay questions. “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.”
Applicants must first respond to one of the following academic prompts, based on their academic areas of interest.
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PRINCETON’S SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY PROMPTS
Bachelor of Arts or 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? (250-word limit)
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
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. (250-word limit)
All applicants will then answer two essay prompts categorized as “your voice” by Princeton’s website.
- 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-word limit)
- 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? (250-word limit)
Next is the “more about you” section with a few super short answer questions (50-word limit). Princeton’s website adds: “There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!”
- 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?
It’s important to remember that Ivy League institutions are very different from each other. Ultimately, the best applications are those that keep the specific university’s mission statement in mind.
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TTA Top Tip: Princeton positions itself as an institution in service of humanity — and offers many opportunities for students to make contributions to society while attending. These values are highlighted in the supplemental essay questions themselves, and it’s important to consider how your interests might align with this mission. While writing your responses, peer through the lens of service and stewardship, you might just realize something new about your goals and passions along the way!
Are you aiming for Princeton University? Not sure how to approach these questions strategically? Contact us today to discuss our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Boot Camp!
Top Tier Admissions is tracking supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!
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