Princeton University is a prestigious Ivy League school located in Princeton, New Jersey. Founded in 1746, it is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the United States. In this blog post, we'll explore the acceptance rate, student population size, location, tuition breakdown, undergraduate college program requirements with essay prompts, academic requirements, teacher recommendations, popular subjects, admissions rates by department, popular employers, student traditions, school strengths, school weaknesses, and admission deadlines.

Acceptance Rate and Student Population Size

For the class of 2025, Princeton University had an acceptance rate of 3.98%, with 1,498 students accepted out of 37,601 applicants. The total undergraduate student population at Princeton is around 5,400 students.

Location and Tuition Breakdown

Princeton University is located in the historic town of Princeton, New Jersey, which is roughly an hour away from both New York City and Philadelphia. The cost of attendance for the 2020-2021 academic year is $75,370 for tuition and fees, room and board, and personal expenses, with financial aid available for those who qualify.

Undergraduate College Program Requirements and Essay Prompts

Princeton University offers four-year undergraduate programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Each program has specific requirements and essay prompts, which we've listed below.

• Humanities: This program requires at least one course in each of the following four areas: literature and arts, history and theory, philosophy and religion, and foreign language. The essay prompt is: "In literature, art, and life, human beings often confront the same fundamental questions. How have different disciplines, historical periods, and cultures addressed them? What answers have they offered? Discuss a work of literature, a movie, or a work of art that has inspired you and how it has influenced your thinking."
• Social Sciences: This program requires at least one course in each of the following four areas: history and theory, quantitative reasoning, empirical analysis, and ethics and moral reasoning. The essay prompt is: "Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, please share your story."
• Natural Sciences: This program requires at least one course in each of the following four areas: mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences, and laboratory sciences. The essay prompt is: "At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to respectfully challenge an established viewpoint. Describe a time when you've had to do this."
• Engineering: This program requires at least one course in each of the following four areas: mathematics, physics, chemistry, and information technology. The essay prompt is: "Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton."

Academic Requirements and Teacher Recommendations

Students applying to Princeton University should have a strong academic record, including a rigorous course load, high grades, and high test scores. For the class of 2025, the middle 50% range of SAT scores was 1490-1570, and the middle 50% range of ACT scores was 33-35.

Princeton also requires two teacher recommendations, which should come from teachers who have taught the student in academic subjects and know the student well.

Popular Subjects and Admissions Rates by Department

The most popular subjects at Princeton University are economics, computer science, public policy, molecular biology, and psychology. Some of the most competitive departments to get into are computer science, economics, and molecular biology, which have acceptance rates around 2-3%.

Popular Employers and Student Traditions

Princeton University boasts a strong network of successful alumni, with popular employers including Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, and Google. Student traditions at Princeton include the P-rade, a parade through campus during alumni reunions; the Princeton Cannon Club, a social club known for its wood-paneled clubhouse; and the eating clubs, which are private clubs where upperclassmen can gather for meals, social events, and networking opportunities.

School Strengths and Weaknesses

Princeton University is known for its strong academic programs, rigorous academics, supportive community, and beautiful campus. However, some students have criticized the university for its lack of diversity and the pressure to succeed academically at all costs. Additionally, some students have expressed frustration with the eating club system, which can create social hierarchies and exclusivity.

Admission Deadlines and How to Apply

Princeton University has a single application deadline of January 1st, and students are typically notified of their admissions decision in late March. Students can apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application and must submit all required materials, including transcripts, test scores, essays, and recommendations, by the deadline.

In conclusion, Princeton University is a highly selective and prestigious university with rigorous academic programs, outstanding career opportunities, and strong traditions. While admission to Princeton may be challenging, students who are well-prepared and passionate about learning can thrive in this supportive and intellectually stimulating community.