Seriously stressed right now. I got my ACT scores recently and I'm not sure if they're good enough for Princeton. What's the average or middle 50% range they're looking for? Should I consider retaking if I'm on the lower end?
Princeton University, like many highly selective colleges, attracts applicants with high ACT scores. While they don't officially publish a minimum score requirement, you can get a sense of the typical range by looking at the middle 50% of scores reported by accepted students. The middle 50% range aims to give you an understanding of both the lower and upper limits of scores that are usually considered competitive.
For Princeton, the range typically falls between 33 and 35, with 33 being the 25th percentile (meaning that 25% of admitted students scored below this), and 35 being the 75th percentile (meaning that 25% of admitted students scored above this).
If you fall on the lower end or below this range, a retake could be beneficial to improve your chances. However, keep in mind that standardized test scores are only one part of your application. Your academic transcripts, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation also play a significant role in the decision process. That said, improving your ACT score can definitely help bolster your application.
It's worth noting, as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, Princeton has switched back from being test-optional to requiring the submission of SAT or ACT scores. So, your ACT score will indeed be a part of their review process. Good luck!
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