SAT
SAT Prep
Good SAT Score
Acceptance Rate
Math Prep
English Prep
ACT
ACT Scores Guide
SAT Tips
ACT Tips
College Guide
Princeton Acceptance Rate, SAT, ACT & GPA
IMPORTANT LINKS
Getting into Princeton University is a dream for many students, but with an acceptance rate of just 4%, it’s one of the most selective colleges in the U.S. Princeton seeks students with outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to making an impact. The university follows a holistic admissions process, considering factors such as SAT Exam and ACT scores, GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal achievements. Although Princeton has a test-optional policy, students who submit high SAT scores (1510–1580) or ACT Exam scores (34–35) can strengthen their applications. A strong GPA of 3.8 to 4.0 is also essential for competitive applicants.
🚀 Use Testbook’s SAT Score Calculator to Find Your SAT Scores!
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Princeton University!
1️⃣ Princeton has produced world leaders! 🌍🧑⚖️ Former U.S. presidents like James Madison and Woodrow Wilson studied here.
2️⃣ The university has its own Einstein connection! 🧠⚛️ Albert Einstein was a faculty member at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.
3️⃣ Orange & Black = School Spirit! 🟠⚫ Princeton’s colors were inspired by William of Orange and first worn at a baseball game in 1867.
4️⃣ It has one of the largest endowments in the world! 💰📚 Princeton provides generous financial aid, making it affordable for students from all backgrounds.
5️⃣ A campus straight out of a fairytale! 🏰🌿 With its stunning Gothic architecture, Princeton’s campus is one of the most beautiful in the U.S.
🚀 Check Admission Requirements of Top US Universities Accepting SAT & ACT!
Element |
Details |
College Name |
Princeton University |
Location |
Princeton, New Jersey |
University Short Form |
Princeton |
Acceptance Rate |
4% |
Early Action Deadline |
November 1 |
Regular Decision Deadline |
January 1 |
FAFSA & Financial Aid Deadline |
February 1 |
SAT Scores (Middle 50%) |
1510–1580* |
ACT Scores (Middle 50%) |
34–35* |
GPA Requirement |
3.8–4.0 |
Princeton University Admission Requirements
Princeton looks for students who excel academically, take on leadership roles, and show a passion for learning and innovation. While SAT or ACT scores are not required, strong scores can give applicants a competitive edge. The university values diversity, intellectual curiosity, and students who are engaged in extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles.
Requirement |
Details |
Application Platforms |
Common Application, Coalition Application |
SAT Score (Middle 50%) |
1510-1580* |
ACT Score (Middle 50%) |
34–35* |
GPA Requirement |
3.8–4.0 |
Application Materials |
2 Teacher Recommendations, Personal Statement/Essay, Extracurricular Activities List |
Application Fee |
$75 (Fee waivers available) |
📌 Get to know When You Should Take the SAT?
If you’ve got high SAT, ACT scores, and a strong GPA, you’ll have a competitive edge at Princeton. But academics alone won’t guarantee admission—Princeton looks for well-rounded students who show leadership, innovation, and a strong passion for learning!
Princeton University SAT Score Requirements
Princeton is test-optional, but submitting strong SAT scores can help your application stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1510 and 1580, so aiming for the higher end will increase your chances.
Princeton Average SAT Scores for Admitted Students
If you're aiming for Princeton, you’ll need top-tier test scores to stay competitive. While SAT scores are optional, a strong one can give your application an edge. The Princeton average SAT score for admitted students is around 1545, with most scoring between 1510 and 1580. Here’s a breakdown of Princeton's SAT scores:
Section |
Average |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
Math |
785 |
770 |
800 |
Reading + Writing |
760 |
740 |
780 |
Composite |
1545 |
1510 |
1580 |
📌 By Following the Steps Given Here, Complete Your SAT Exam Registration!
Princeton SAT Score Distribution
Scoring well on the SAT can give your Princeton application a boost, even though the university is test-optional. The middle 50% of admitted students have Princeton SAT scores ranging from 1510 to 1580, so aiming for the higher end can make you more competitive. Here’s a closer look at the SAT score distribution for Princeton:
Percentile |
SAT Score |
25th |
1510 |
75th |
1580 |
Tip: Students applying to competitive programs like engineering, economics, and sciences should aim for scores closer to 1580 for a better chance of admission!
🚀 Know the SAT Writing Tips to Score Well on the SAT!
Princeton University Schools That Consider SAT Scores
While Princeton University takes a holistic approach to admissions, strong SAT scores can still play a role in making your application stand out—especially for competitive programs. Certain schools and departments may place more emphasis on academic excellence, making high scores a valuable addition. Here are some of the Princeton University schools that consider SAT scores:
- School of Engineering and Applied Science
- Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs
- School of Architecture
- Graduate School (for certain programs)
Is Princeton SAT Optional?
Yes! Princeton is SAT-optional, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT scores to apply. However, if you have a strong score (especially in the 1510–1580 range), sending it in can boost your application and make you a more competitive candidate.
Attempt the SAT Practice Test to Improve your SAT Scores!Ace your SAT Preparation with 50+ Full Digital SAT-Like Tests, 3000+ Practice Questions, Topic-Level Notes, Desmos Calculator Integration, Personalized Dashboard and Custom Study-Planners. |
Princeton University ACT Score Requirements
Scoring between 34 and 35 on the ACT puts you in a strong spot for Princeton! While Princeton ACT scores aren’t required, a high ACT score can definitely give your application an edge, especially when combined with stellar grades, essays, and extracurriculars.
Princeton Average ACT Scores for Admitted Students
When it comes to Princeton admissions, every point on your ACT matters! Princeton average ACT scores for admitted students typically range from 34 to 35, with most scoring around 34.5. Aiming for the higher end can boost your chances at this highly competitive university.
ACT Percentile |
ACT Score Range |
25th Percentile |
34 |
50th Percentile (Median) |
34.5 |
75th Percentile |
35 |
Good news! Princeton superscores the ACT, meaning they consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates.
🚀Also Find out What are ACT Writing Score Here!
Princeton University GPA Requirement
When it comes to Princeton GPA requirements, you’ll need top-tier grades to stay competitive. Most admitted students have a GPA between 3.8 and 4.0, proving they’ve excelled academically. Strong coursework, AP classes, and a solid GPA can make a big difference!
Princeton Average GPA for Admitted Students
Princeton is one of the most competitive universities, and your GPA plays a major role in admissions. The Princeton average GPA for admitted students is around 3.92, with most students falling between 3.8 and 4.0. Here’s a breakdown of GPA ranges:
GPA Percentile |
GPA Range |
25th |
3.8 |
50th (Median) |
3.92 |
75th |
4.0+ |
Tip: If your GPA is on the lower end, strengthen your application with stellar essays, strong extracurriculars, and leadership roles.
📌 Also, Get to Know SAT Reading Strategy for your Upcoming Exam!
Princeton University Acceptance Rate
With a Princeton acceptance rate of just 4%, getting in is no easy feat! The university is incredibly selective, admitting only the best of the best. A strong GPA, impressive test scores, and standout extracurriculars are key to making your application shine.
Princeton Acceptance Rate |
Total Applicants |
Admitted |
Enrolled |
4% (Highly Selective) |
37,601 |
1,647 |
1,290 |
🚀Get to Know the Recent Changes done in the SAT Exam!
Princeton University Scholarships
Princeton is dedicated to keeping education affordable. With its generous need-based financial aid program and a no-loan policy, students can graduate debt-free. If you're admitted, Princeton ensures that finances won’t stand in the way of your education and future success.
Notable Princeton Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Princeton Financial Aid Program – Covers full tuition for students from families earning <$100K
- Princeton Grants – Need-based aid with no repayment required
- External Scholarships – Princeton encourages students to apply for outside scholarships
🚀Find out the Upcoming ACT Test Dates and Deadlines.
Princeton University Superscoring Policy
Princeton University follows an SAT superscore policy, meaning they consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates. This allows you to showcase your best possible composite score, giving you a better chance to impress the admissions team with your strongest performance.
🚀Also, Get Familiar with Should You Guess on SAT & ACT? before appearing for SAT and ACT exams.
Final Thoughts
Princeton is among the most prestigious and competitive universities globally. An acceptance rate of 4%, comprising a high GPA of above 3.8, SAT scores of between 1510-1580, and ACT scores of about 34-35 will get your chances up. However, leadership, extracurricular activities, and compelling essays are equally important. If you are passionate, hard working, and ready to make an impact, Princeton may be the perfect place for you! 🎓✨
Colleges That Uses SAT Scores
Many prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S. require SAT scores as part of their admissions process. Below is a list of some of the top colleges and universities that use SAT scores for their admissions.
Category |
Colleges/Universities |
Ivy League Schools |
|
Public Research Universities |
University of California System (some campuses) |
National Universities |
|
Liberal Arts Colleges |
|
Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Score
College Name
ACT Score
SAT Score
15–19*
820–980*
16–21*
890–1080*
17–20*
860–1053*
15–21*
Not available*
16–20*
860–1062*
College Name |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
15–19* |
820–980* |
|
16–21* |
890–1080* |
|
17–20* |
860–1053* |
|
15–21* |
Not available* |
|
16–20* |
860–1062* |
Colleges That Accept 1200 Score In SAT
University
ACT Score
SAT Score
21–27*
940–1200*
16–25*
910–1150*
18–26*
910–1150*
18–24*
910–1120*
19–26*
950–1150*
21–28*
950–1180*
16–27*
925–1140*
17–24*
930–1175*
19–25*
950–1130*
20–27*
900–1150*
20–26*
1010–1200*
University |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
21–27* |
940–1200* |
|
16–25* |
910–1150* |
|
18–26* |
910–1150* |
|
18–24* |
910–1120* |
|
19–26* |
950–1150* |
|
21–28* |
950–1180* |
|
16–27* |
925–1140* |
|
17–24* |
930–1175* |
|
19–25* |
950–1130* |
|
20–27* |
900–1150* |
|
20–26* |
1010–1200* |
Princeton University Admissions FAQs
Does Princeton require SAT scores?
No, Princeton is SAT-optional, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT scores to apply. However, strong SAT scores (1510–1580) can enhance your application and make you a more competitive candidate.
What is the Princeton acceptance rate?
Princeton University has an extremely low acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective colleges in the U.S. Only the most outstanding applicants are admitted each year.
What SAT score do I need for Princeton?
The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1510 and 1580 on the SAT. While Princeton is test-optional, a strong SAT score can boost your chances of admission.
What ACT score is required for Princeton?
Princeton’s middle 50% ACT range is 34–35. Although submitting ACT scores is optional, a high score can strengthen your application, especially when combined with a strong GPA and extracurriculars.
What is the average GPA of admitted Princeton students?
Most admitted students have a GPA between 3.8 and 4.0, with an average of 3.92. Taking AP or honors courses can help strengthen your academic profile.
Does Princeton superscore the SAT and ACT?
Yes! Princeton follows a superscoring policy, meaning they consider your highest section scores from multiple SAT and ACT test dates to calculate your best possible composite score.
What kind of students does Princeton look for?
Princeton seeks students with strong academics, leadership skills, extracurricular involvement, and a passion for making an impact. They follow a holistic admissions process, considering GPA, essays, recommendations, and achievements.
Does Princeton offer financial aid and scholarships?
Yes! Princeton has a need-based financial aid program with a no-loan policy, meaning students can graduate debt-free. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.