Princeton University: Supplemental Essays 2025-26

Princeton University, located in Princeton, New Jersey, is guided by its informal motto: “Princeton in the Nation’s Service and in the Service of All Nations.” This commitment to service is deeply embedded in the university’s culture and is reflected in initiatives such as Community Action, Bridge Year, and Venture Forward. With a student body of approximately 5,727 undergrads and 3,225 graduate students, Princeton is a mid-sized member of the Ivy League. In 2028, 71.8% of its students received financial aid, underscoring the university’s dedication to accessibility. Known for its strong school spirit, academic excellence, and enduring mission of service, Princeton remains a leader in higher education.

TTA Top Tip: Princeton’s strong commitment to service is unmistakable, and it should be a guiding theme in your college application. Keep this in mind for essays and do your best to highlight your volunteer work, community engagement, social initiatives, and any innovative ideas that demonstrate your dedication to making a meaningful impact on their campus.

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY: SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS

A.B. Degree Applicants or Those Who Are Undecided (Required)

Please respond in 250 words or fewer:

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?

B.S.E. Degree Applicants (Required)

Please respond in 250 words or fewer:

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.

Your Voice (Required for All Applicants)

Please respond in 500 words or fewer:

1. 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?

Please respond in 250 words or fewer:

2. 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?

More About You (Required)

Please respond to each question in 50 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!

1. What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

2. What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?

3. What brings you joy?

Anita Doar, a former Princeton alumna and Senior Private Counselor at TTA, notes:

Nowhere is the spirit of Princeton captured more clearly than in its Reunions—a celebration unmatched by any other institution in its magnitude (over 20,000 participants), pageantry (mile-long “P-rade” of alums in tiger-themed garb and choreographed fireworks display), and frequency (annual). If you’re curious what Princeton is really about and how it differs from other Ivy League schools, wander over to campus on the second-to-last weekend of May in any given year.

WANT TO READ MORE?

Are you thinking about applying to Princeton? Confused on how to start writing these essays? Contact us to discuss our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Application Boot Camp® and improve your odds of admission with expert guidance.

Top Tier Admissions is tracking the 2025-2026 supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!

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