COVID-19 Update

We understand the many hurdles students, families, counselors and school administrators have had to overcome due to changes within school communities and the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19. With the disruption to coursework and the lack of access to the ACT and SAT, Princeton has made a few changes to the 2022-23 application cycle to ease the process of applying.

A Continued Pause on Standardized Testing for the 2022-23 Application Cycle

The Princeton University Office of Undergraduate Admission continues to assess the effects the pandemic has had on teaching and learning in secondary schools around the world – particularly the inconsistencies created in classrooms due to the uncertainty of in-person instruction. As a result, we will continue to operate in a test optional environment for first-year applicants applying during the 2022-23 cycle for Princeton’s Class of 2027. Students who opt to apply to Princeton without an ACT or SAT will not be at a disadvantage in our process. We will continue with a holistic evaluation of each application and will continue to assess testing requirements for students applying after next year’s cycle.

The process for transfer applicants will also be test optional during the 2022-23 cycle and will be reassessed for those applying after next year’s cycle.

Please note: Princeton will continue to follow the guidance and policies of the Ivy League regarding testing requirements for applicants who expect to participate in the varsity athletic program.

Students who do sit for a standardized test and wish to submit their score will still have the option to do so. As with previous years, the University does not require subject tests.

English Language Proficiency Exams

If English is not the primary language spoken in your home and you attend a school where English is not the language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). More information >

Transfer Admission

This standardized testing policy change for 2022-23 application cycles extends to transfer applicants. Transfer applicants will continue to have an application deadline of early March.

Financial Aid

Princeton provides financial aid in the form of grants, which do not have to be repaid. Our no-loans policy makes it possible for students to graduate with little to no debt. More than 80% of recent seniors have graduated debt free. This spring, the trustees of Princeton University reconfirmed the University’s commitment to ensuring that a Princeton education is affordable for every student even at this time of economic uncertainty.

Campus Visit

Prospective students are welcome to visit campus and enjoy our outdoor facilities; however, per University policy, visitors will not have access to buildings on campus. We encourage you to take advantage of our self-guided campus tour via your smartphone, sign up for a guided Orange Key Tour or register for a virtual information session. 

Updated Feb. 10, 2022; 11 a.m.