Discovering the Essay Requirements for Applying to Princeton University
If you’re considering Princeton University to further your academic goals, you’ll need to complete a rigorous application process, which includes writing several essays. To help you better understand what is required of you, we’ve outlined each essay you’ll need to write, the character/word limits, and tips on how to approach them.
The Essay Requirements for Princeton University
Princeton University requires applicants to write two essays. The first essay should be between 250-650 words and the second essay should be 150-350 words. Let’s take a closer look at each essay.
Essay 1: Your Voice
This essay requires you to write about something meaningful to you and how it has influenced or impacted your life. The admissions team at Princeton University wants to get to know you and understand what motivates you and makes you unique. Here are some tips to help you approach this essay:
Be authentic in your writing. The admissions team wants to hear your voice and perspective, not someone else's.
Choose a topic that you are passionate about and can write about in depth.
Create an engaging opening that hooks the reader in. You want to make sure your essay stands out from others.
Be sure to answer all parts of the prompt.
Essay 2: Ask us a Question
This essay gives you the opportunity to ask the admissions team at Princeton University a question that you would like them to answer. The question can be anything from the practical to the philosophical. This is your chance to show your curiosity and demonstrate your interest in attending Princeton University. Here are some tips to help you approach this essay:
Do your research before asking a question. You want to showcase that you’re invested in attending Princeton University and have taken the time to learn about the school.
Don’t be afraid to ask a challenging question. The admissions team wants to see your critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.
Stay within the word limit. You only have 150-350 words to ask your question, so make sure it’s a good one.
Make sure your question is clear and specific.
Deadlines for Applying to Princeton University
If you’re interested in applying to Princeton University, you’ll need to pay attention to the deadlines to ensure you don’t miss anything important.
Early Action Deadline: November 1st
Regular Decision Deadline: January 1st
It’s important to note that if you apply through the Early Action program, you will receive an admissions decision by mid-December. If you apply through the Regular Decision program, you will receive a decision by April 1st.
Past Approaches Students Have Used for Each Essay
While there is no “right” way to approach the essays required for Princeton University, past applicants have used a variety of techniques to make their essays stand out.
For Essay 1, some successful approaches have included focusing on a life-changing event, discussing a unique hobby or interest, and examining the impact of a specific person on their life.
For Essay 2, successful approaches have included asking a question that demonstrates their intellectual curiosity, asking a question related to a current event or issue, and asking about a specific academic program or opportunity at Princeton University.
Conclusion
Applying to Princeton University can be a daunting task, but with a clear understanding of the essay requirements, deadlines, and past approaches, you can better prepare yourself to stand out from the rest. As you begin to craft your essays, remember to be authentic, answer all parts of the prompt, and showcase your unique perspective. Good luck!
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