How to Apply

COVID-19 Update

We understand the many hurdles students, families, counselors and school administrators will have to overcome in the months ahead due to changes within school communities and the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19. With the disruption to coursework this spring and the lack of access to the ACT and SAT, Princeton has made a few changes to the 2020-21 application cycle to ease the process of applying.

A Pause on Standardized Testing

Princeton will pause its standardized testing requirement as part of its holistic review process for the 2020-21 application cycle. Students who sit for a standardized test and wish to submit their score will still have the option to do so. However, because of the change to policy this year, applications without test scores will be considered complete. Students who do not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage. As with previous years, the University does not require subject tests.

One First-Year Application Deadline

The University will move to one application deadline of Jan. 1, 2021 for this first-year admission cycle. All applicants will apply using either the Coalition Application or Common Application through the Regular Decision process and will receive decisions on their applications by April 1, 2021. Princeton will continue to partner with QuestBridge and participate in the National College Match in December.

Optional Alumni Interview

All interviews during the 2020-21 application cycle will be virtual, via video chat or phone. These interviews must not be recorded in any way, either by the interviewer or the applicant. 

Transfer Admission

This one-year standardized testing policy change 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

Per University policy, we are not welcoming visitors, including prospective students, to campus until further notice and for fall 2020. Our Admission Information Center is closed. Please check back for updates.

Updated Aug. 7, 2020; 12 noon