Advice for Getting into Princeton

Princeton is my dream school. I'm wondering if anyone here has any advice on how to get an acceptance letter from them. Are there certain things they're looking for in applications? How can I strengthen my chances? Thanks fam!

Certainly, striving to get into a highly selective school like Princeton can be a rigorous but worthwhile endeavor. It's crucial to have a nuanced understanding of the application components that Princeton places great emphasis on, so you can better tailor your application.

First, academics are key. Princeton is widely known for its robust academic focus. You'll want to aim for a high GPA, with challenging courses in your high school curriculum like AP or IB classes. Securing good grades in these classes demonstrates your readiness to handle the rigorous courses at Princeton. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Princeton requires that applicants submit SAT or ACT scores, so aim for a strong score to stay competitive with other applicants. Renewable energy, climate change, neuroscience, and technology and society are strong areas for the university, so if you have interest and achievements in these areas, your application could stand out.

Next are extracurricular activities. Like many Ivy League schools, Princeton values students with a 'spike', which means a highly-developed specialty, where you've proven to be successful and are likely to continue being successful in the future. Rather than a smorgasbord of disparate activities, Princeton wants to see depth and leadership in a smaller number of activities related to your primary interests. Remember the tiers of extracurricular activities mentioned earlier when choosing and planning your activities.

Essays are another significant piece of Princeton's application. Through your essays, you'll be able to give the admissions committee a glimpse of who you are beyond your grades and numbers. When responding to Princeton-specific prompts, be sure to highlight how you specifically connect with Princeton's values, programs, and community. Think about what truly distinguishes Princeton from other universities for you, and make sure those specific aspects shine through in your responses.

Letters of recommendation also play a role in the admissions process. Aim to get letters from teachers who have taught you in rigorous, relevant courses, and who know you well enough to describe your character, work habits, intellectual curiosity, and potential impact on Princeton's community.

Finally, the university's interview process, although optional, is a notable opportunity to further present your achievements and interests. It's a chance to show your enthusiasm for the university while delving into details that might not have been addressed in the rest of your application. Although demonstrated interest is not a major factor at Princeton, a compelling interview can certainly help enliven your application.

With the appropriate strategy and determination, your aspiration of gaining admission into Princeton can become reality. Best luck in your application process!