Located in Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton University is a private, Ivy League research university. In 2024, the QS World University Rankings placed it 17th. Princeton is the fourth-oldest university in the United States. Of the approximately 9,000 students enrolled at the university, more than 1,000 are foreign nationals. With degrees available in more than 40 subjects, Princeton’s graduate school is extremely selective.
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In this blog, we are going to answer your burning questions regarding Princeton, from Why and How to get into Princeton University. We will also provide expert tips regarding the admission cycle, address all documents you require to apply to Princeton and address the challenges you may face.
Lastly, we will be discussing the costs of studying at Princeton University for international students and the scholarships available for international students.
This blog is the only thing you will ever need to read about getting into Princeton University.
Why Study at Princeton University
Princeton University consistently ranks among the world’s most elite universities, and in 2024, it was ranked 17th by QS. It has highly regarded instructors, cutting-edge research possibilities, and challenging academics in all fields. For pupils in India, this is a true gem. You can interact with individuals from a variety of ethnic backgrounds at Princeton, and the extensive programs will provide you with the tools you need to succeed on the personal and professional fronts.
Princeton caters towards undergraduates, Masters, and PhD students. Princeton University prepares its graduate students for leadership positions in the public and private sectors, as well as distinguished careers in research. Candidates with master’s degrees are equipped to analyze data, spot trends, and produce original works. PhD candidates provide the highest calibre of research, expanding and contributing positively towards the understanding of their disciplines.
Now that we have addressed the world rankings, its research-oriented nature let us see what all is needed to get into Princeton University.
How to Get into Princeton University?
A stellar GPA, good ACT or SAT scores, and a history of involvement in extracurricular organizations where you have shown your leadership potential are all requirements for admission to Princeton. It should come as no surprise that Princeton University has a demanding and extremely competitive admissions procedure, given its Ivy League status and 4% acceptance rate. You must create strong SOPs, take standardised tests, submit other required paperwork, and meet specific standards involving English language tests if you’re an international student hoping to get into Princeton. Here are the things you should be aware of if you want to be admitted to one of the most prestigious institutions in the US:
- You will need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field. A relevant field means the program you are applying to. Is if you are applying to a stem degree program, you may be required to have a stem degree in your undergraduate.
- Competitive GPA (average around 3.9).
- You will also be required to submit a TOEFL score of 100+ or an IELTS score of 7.0+
- GMAT score of at least 600 for business courses like MIM
- GRE score of at least 298 for MS and MEng programs
- You will also require a Statement of Purpose emphasising research interests and suitability with the program and the university.
- Personal statement showcasing unique traits and diverse contributions
- Participation in extracurricular activities to demonstrate a holistic profile
- Strong recommendation letters
Tips to get into Princeton University
Although Princeton University is a hard college to get into, its acceptance rate hovers around 4 to 5 %; thus, it is hard to get into Princeton University; you may improve your chances of becoming one of Princeton’s successful students with rigorous preparation, diligence, and direction. Speak with a Rostrum expert right now for more details on how to get into Princeton!
Let us get into the details, the tips can be broken down into the following types.
1. GPA
Aim for consistently high grades in all of your classes, particularly in difficult courses that are related to your chosen major. Maintain a GPA above 3.5 by enrolling in the most challenging courses you can.
2. Extracurricular activities
Show your creativity and passion for interests outside of academics. Take on activities that reflect your leadership potential, creativity, and commitment to a cause. Be authentic and respectful in your personal essay to reveal to Princeton’s admissions committee who you are as an individual.
3. Your “X” factor:
Your X- X-factor means what you are going to add to the Princeton community, and you can do that by demonstrating your versatility and enthusiasm for subjects other than academics. Engage in pursuits that demonstrate your capacity for leadership, inventiveness, and dedication to a cause. Be sincere and considerate in your personal essay to show Princeton’s admissions committee who you are as a person.
Scoring a high CGPA whilst maintaining a holistic profile can be a difficult task, especially if you are aiming to get into an Ivy League college, but worry not at Rostrum, we have helped place 165+; learn how we can help you too, schedule a free consultation call now!
Documents Required to Apply to Princeton University
In order to get into Princeton, there are certain documents that you have to submit, including an academic transcript, letter of recommendation, and SOP; let us break it down for you.
- Official transcripts of your high school if you are applying to the undergraduate program and transcript related to your bachelor’s degree if you are applying to a graduate degree program.
- Remember that there is a specific GPA required in order to have a chance at getting into Princeton, and you are required to have at least 3.8.
- You also require a Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Essay questions: Princeton asks you for essay questions, these are called Princeton-specific Questions you also need to answer the Coalition Application, Common Application or the QuestBridge Application.
Learn more about how to write a supplemental essay here!
- Standardized Test Results: Send in your English proficiency results (IELTS/TOEFL), SAT/ACT results for undergraduate programs, and GRE/GMAT results for graduate programs.
Document | UG Requirements | PG Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Application | Common or Coalition Application | Application Form |
Standardised Tests | SAT or ACT (optional) | GMAT/GRE (for MS courses) |
Academic Records | Official transcripts | University or college transcripts |
Recommendations | 2 LORs (teachers) | 3 LORs |
Writing Sample | Graded Written Paper (1-2 pages) | Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
English Proficiency | IELTS/TOEFL/PTE | TOEFL |
Application Fee | USD 70 | USD 75 |
Princeton University Acceptance Rate
The acceptance and early acceptance rates for Princeton University are 4% and 10%, respectively. Of the applicants who submitted test results for admission to Princeton University, half had SAT scores between 1500 and 1580 or ACT scores between 34 and 35. Nonetheless, 25% of those who were accepted received scores that were higher than these ranges, and 25% received scores that were lower.
Acceptance Rate | 4% |
Early decision Acceptance Rate | N/A |
SAT Score Breakdown | 97% of students have scores between 1400-1600. |
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Challenges of Getting into Princeton University
You may encounter various obstacles when pursuing your studies at Princeton University as an overseas student. Continue reading to learn more about these difficulties so that you may better prepare in advance. When applying to Princeton, international students encounter several challenges, such as:
Acceptance Rate
- The largest obstacle faced by international students is Princeton University’s low acceptance rate of 4%.
- Only 1,369 of the more than 15,000 graduate applications Princeton University received in 2023 were accepted. This illustrates how selective it is.
Tuition and cost of living
- The tuition fee for applying to graduate school at Princeton is approximately USD 62,860 / INR 52,20,160, which is quite higher than the national average. Additionally, the cost of travelling to and living in the US must also be tackled.
Standardised Test
- It may be challenging to score on standardized and English proficiency tests in accordance with Princeton’s requirements in a single effort, leading overseas students to make repeated attempts that are inefficient in terms of both time and money.
Cultural Challenges
- It can be difficult to adjust to a new social setting, language, and culture. Furthermore, in a new setting, it might be challenging to make friends and feel like you belong.
International students contribute significantly to the Princeton community in spite of these obstacles. To assist them in succeeding, the university provides a range of tools and services, including funding choices, student organizations, cultural centres, English language support programs, and advisors for international students.
Costs of Studying at Princeton University for International Students
Tuition fees and living expenses make up the two main categories of expenses that overseas students attending Princeton University’s graduate program might anticipate. Depending on your lifestyle and the program you choose, both of these costs will change.
Let us break down the cost of living first
Living Expenses (12 Months) | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|
Housing (on- or off-campus) | USD 15,520 | INR 12,88,860 |
Food | USD 10,025 | INR 8,32,530 |
Personal Expenses | USD 8,790 | INR 7,29,970 |
Books & Supplies | USD 2,265 | INR 1,88,010 |
TOTAL | USD 36,600 | INR 29,89,630 |
The tuition fees at Princeton University
Regular Enrollment | Amount |
|---|---|
Tuition: Regular Rate | USD 59,710 / INR 49,58,630 |
SHP Fee | USD 3,150 / INR 2,61,590 |
TOTAL | USD 62,860 / INR 5,220,220 |
Continue reading to find out about various financing and scholarship opportunities both inside and outside of Princeton University that can assist you with paying for your study abroad!
Scholarships for Studying at Princeton University
All admitted graduate students have their complete documented financial needs met by Princeton University’s excellent financial aid program. This implies that subject to your meeting academic requirements; the institution will provide you with a financial aid package that will cover all of your living expenses, tuition, fees, and room and board. Usually, a mix of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships are used to provide the money. The amount of money can be between USD 42,000 and USD 47,880, or INR 34,87,900 and INR 39,76,200.
Indian students who wish to study abroad have access to numerous external scholarships in addition to Princeton’s internal grants. These scholarships may be given out by non-profit organisations, private foundations, or government entities. The following are a few well-liked scholarships for Indian students:
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships: Economics, Environmental Science/Studies, Higher Education Administration, International Affairs, International Legal Studies, Journalism and Mass Communication, Public Administration, Public Health, and Urban and Regional Planning are among the fields in which these fellowships are given for a maximum of two years to pursue a master’s degree at U.S. colleges and universities.
- Inlaks Scholarship: Indian nationals who have finished their undergraduate degrees and been admitted to a postgraduate study at an accredited university overseas are eligible to apply for the Inlaks Scholarship. The scholarship is given out in a number of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, law, fine arts, architecture, and related fields.
- Tata Scholarship: Only master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral fellowships in any field of study abroad are funded by the Endowment. It aims to reward “the best and most gifted so as to make them of the greatest service to the country” based solely on merit.
From Rostrum’s Expert Desk:
For many students, Princeton University is the school of their dreams. Among the numerous factors contributing to its appeal are its excellent MS, MIM, and engineering programs; its strong emphasis on innovation, which fosters creativity and entrepreneurship; and its varied student body, which includes people from all over the world.
The process of applying to Ivy League universities might be intimidating. However, it need not be. With Rostrum Education, you may focus on your goal of enrolling in one of the best universities in the world, and the professionals will handle the rest. Make your dream of attending Princeton University a reality with comprehensive study abroad counselling and individualised advice created just for YOU. Contact a Rostrum Expert Now to Arrange A FREE Consultation Call!
FAQ on How to Get into Princeton University as an International Student?
1: How hard is it to get into Princeton University?
Getting into Princeton is notoriously difficult. The university consistently ranks among the most selective in the United States, with an acceptance rate hovering around 4-5%. This means that only a small fraction of highly qualified applicants are admitted each year.
2: How can a UAE student get into Princeton University?
Students in the UAE are subject to the same rules as other applicants. Princeton looks for students with strong academic records and high scores on standardized tests such as ACT or SAT for undergraduate and GMAT/GRE for Masters degree programs. You also require convincing essays and extracurricular activities.
In your applications, students from the UAE should emphasize their distinct viewpoints and experiences, demonstrating their capacity for leadership, curiosity, and dedication to having a good influence.
3: How can a Hong Kong student get into Princeton University?
Similar to UAE students, Hong Kong students should focus on building a strong academic profile, achieving excellent grades, and participating in meaningful extracurricular activities.
They should also craft compelling essays that showcase their unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. Highlighting their cultural background and any contributions they’ve made to their community can also strengthen their applications.
3: What is the tuition fee at Princeton University?
The tuition fee for the 2024-2025 academic year at Princeton University is USD 59,710. In addition to tuition, there is a Student Health Plan (SHP) fee of USD 3,150. The total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses, is estimated to be around USD 82,470 per year.
4: Is Princeton better than Harvard?
Both Princeton and Harvard are exceptional universities with world-renowned faculty, rigorous academic programs, and outstanding resources. So, which is better really depends on your taste and condition. What works with someone may not work with another, so you need to evaluate both schools on things like tuition fees, scholarships, faculty, and career opportunities after your degree.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences.
