Decoding Princeton's ACT Scores: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Students
Princeton University, a distinguished Ivy League institution, maintains rigorous standards for its applicants, with standardized testing playing a crucial role in the college admissions process. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Princeton University’s specific ACT requirements and sheds light on the data behind Princeton’s ACT scores.
Understanding Princeton's Academic Profile
There are three critical numbers when considering your admissions chances: ACT scores, GPA, and acceptance rate. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, Princeton University maintains an average composite ACT score of 35.
The average GPA at Princeton is 3.95. This requires you to be at the top of your class, and you'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. If you're a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change from this point on. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.95, you'll need a higher ACT score to compensate and show that you're prepared to take on college academics.
The acceptance rate at Princeton is 4.6%, making it extremely selective. Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high ACT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in. If you don't pass their ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.
Analyzing Princeton's ACT Score Range
Half the applicants admitted to Princeton University who submitted test scores have an ACT score of 34 and 35. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.
Read also: Decoding Princeton Admissions
The 25th percentile ACT score is 34, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35. In other words, a 34 places you below average, while a 35 will move you up to above average.
The Significance of a Strong ACT Score
Scores are vital to getting past their first round of filters. To be safe, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 35 ACT and a 3.95 GPA or higher to be above average. This is only part of the challenge - after this, you'll need to impress them beyond your academic scores, with your accomplishments and extracurriculars.
Navigating Princeton's Test-Flexible Policy
Princeton hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores, it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them.
Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Princeton will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students.
Strategizing for the ACT
To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 35 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score.
Read also: SAT Score Analysis: Princeton
By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score).
Understanding the ACT Essay
Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Princeton considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.
Holistic Review at Princeton
Note: Your admission decision relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. This tool provides only a simplistic estimate of your chances of admission. We recommend you apply to schools across a range of chances.
Recommendation are considered very important for admissions officials at Princeton University.
Key Application Details
Princeton University Admissions Statsapplication deadlineJan. 1. Must Be Received ByJan. 1. The application deadline at Princeton University is Jan. 1. AdmissionsRegular Application DueJanuary 1.
Read also: SAT Requirements for LSU
Additional Resources
Here's our custom admissions calculator. If you're interested in Princeton, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. These schools are have higher average ACT scores than Princeton. If you're currently competitive for Princeton, you should have no problem getting into these schools. You should definitely follow us on social media. You'll get updates on our latest articles right on your feed.
The Broader Context of ACT Scores
While ACT scores are an important part of your application, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. And increasingly, many schools are test-optional. Even at test-optional schools, your ACT score can give you an edge. If you're applying to test-optional schools and you’ve earned a score that falls within (or above) the college’s typical range, submit it.
According to ACT.org, the average Composite score for the Class of 2024 was 19.4. This table reflects how your ACT Composite score compares to other test-takers nationwide. Percentile ranks indicate the percentage of students who scored at or below a particular score.
Most schools report the middle 50% range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students. Do your scores fall well within the range? Do your scores fall in the lower end of the school’s average range? Don’t be discouraged! According to the ACT itself, many colleges won't accept a score below the 18-20 range. That doesn't mean you're out of options! Unless you scored a perfect 36, you can always improve.
Your ACT score can help you qualify for college merit scholarships. Many students take the ACT more than once to improve their results. Bonus: ACT’s superscoring policy allows colleges to consider your best scores across multiple test dates.
A good ACT score is personal. Want to talk about your ACT scores in more detail and figure out what comes next? We can help. Our ACT experts will go over your personal score report and help you determine what the next step should be.
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