Standardized Testing

Our test optional policy continues to be in place for first-year and transfer applicants applying in the fall of 2025. This includes the following calendar year for regular decision (January) and transfer applications (March). Students who opt to apply to Princeton without an ACT or SAT score will not be at a disadvantage in our process.  

Standardized testing is only one element of our comprehensive and holistic application review. Princeton has no minimum test score requirement for admission; rather, all of the information in each student’s application is considered in context.

For those who do submit standardized test scores, you must submit your SAT and/or ACT scores to Princeton directly from the testing firms. We allow applicants to use the score choice feature of the SAT and accept only the highest composite score of the ACT, but we encourage the submission of all test scores. Note: We do not superscore between the paper test and the digital test; you can only utilize score choice if the tests are in the same format. When registering for the SAT or ACT, use the following codes to ensure your scores are sent to Princeton: SAT: 2672 and ACT: 2588. 

Beginning in the 2025-2026 application cycle, Princeton will accept scores from both the original and redesigned versions of the ACT. Also beginning in the 2025-26 application cycle, the science section of the redesigned ACT is optional. All exams taken prior to April 2025 should be reported with all four sections (EMRS). We understand that the differences in timing for US and international regions may impact the ACT’s availability to students during the transition period. We will accept the old ACT with all four sections (EMRS) or the new ACT with three sections (EMR) equally and have no preference for one over the other.

Notes on additional testing:

• If you sat for an Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) test, we recommend that you self-report all of your AP or IB scores on your application. For those who do submit standardized test scores, you must submit your SAT and/or ACT scores to Princeton directly from the testing firms.

• If English is not your native language and you are attending 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), the Duolingo English Test (DET) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic).

   

Testing Deadlines

• If you choose to submit testing, applicants should take the SAT or the ACT by the October test date for single-choice early action and the December date for regular decision.
• Students taking standardized tests in December or later should have their scores sent directly to Princeton.
• Transfer applicants who choose to sit for the test must complete all SAT testing by the March test date. All ACT testing must be completed by the February test date