Understanding Princeton's ACT Score Requirements for Admission

Princeton University, a highly selective Ivy League institution, evaluates applicants through a holistic admission process. While standardized testing has undergone shifts in recent years, understanding the role of ACT scores remains crucial for prospective students. This article delves into Princeton's ACT score expectations, providing insights into how these scores factor into the overall application evaluation.

Princeton's Holistic Admission Approach

Princeton University's admission process involves a comprehensive and holistic review of each applicant's entire file. No particular factor is assigned a fixed weight; rather, the process involves a highly individualized assessment of the applicant's talents, achievements, and potential to contribute to learning at Princeton. This holistic approach considers various factors beyond standardized test scores, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

The Evolution of Princeton's Testing Policy

Princeton's testing policy has evolved in recent years. The university paused the standardized testing requirement for undergraduate admission in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of access to testing centers. The university later extended the pause for several academic years. The university was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025-26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), Princeton required SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions).

However, Princeton will require undergraduate applicants to submit SAT or ACT test scores beginning with the 2027-28 admission cycle. First-year and transfer applicants seeking to enroll in fall 2028 will need to submit either SAT or ACT scores.

For first-year and transfer applicants seeking to enroll in fall 2026 or fall 2027, Princeton remains test optional. Students who opt to apply to Princeton in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 cycles without an ACT or SAT score will not be at a disadvantage in our process.

Read also: Decoding Princeton Admissions

The decision to resume testing requirements follows a review of five years of data from the test-optional period, which found that academic performance at Princeton was stronger for students who chose to submit test scores than for students who did not. The review concluded that standardized testing is among the tools that can be helpful in indicating potential for academic success at Princeton.

ACT Score Expectations: A Closer Look

While Princeton emphasizes holistic review, standardized test scores, when submitted, play a role in demonstrating a student's academic preparedness. Although there are no minimum test score requirements for admission, successful applicants typically score at the very top of the national scale, reflecting Princeton's rigorous academic profile.

Looking at Princeton's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 33-35. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, Princeton ACT results cluster in the mid-30s, reflecting the school's competitive applicant pool.

Recommended Score: 35
25th Percentile: 33

Read also: ACT Guide for Princeton
75th Percentile: 35

By section, admitted students tend to excel in English (ACT Reading and Writing). The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 34-36, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 34 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills Princeton expects.

ACT Math scores at Princeton are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 31-35. While there's a bit more spread than English, competitive applicants still show very strong quantitative fluency. Many engineering or economics hopefuls, for example, hit scores in the mid-30s on ACT Math.

If you're estimating a Princeton average ACT, plan around 35. Given Princeton's low admit rate, even moving from a 33 to 35 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.

Strategic Considerations for ACT Preparation

Given the competitive nature of Princeton admissions, aiming for the higher end of the ACT score range is advisable. Students should strive for a composite score of 35 or higher to increase their chances of admission.

Read also: SAT Score Analysis: Princeton

Princeton superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.

Therefore, if your ACT superscore is currently below a 35, it is strongly recommended that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your score is lower than your other sections, prep only for that section, then take the ACT. Then focus on another section for the next test, and so on.

Test-Optional Policy: To Submit or Not to Submit?

The decision of whether to submit ACT scores is a personal one. Princeton University emphasizes that a score not representing academic strength or college preparedness does not need to be submitted.

If you choose to submit testing, applicants should take the SAT or the ACT by the October test date for single-choice early action and the December date for regular decision.

If you feel your ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. 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.

Other Factors in the Admission Process

While ACT scores are an important consideration, Princeton's holistic review process considers a wide range of factors. These include:

Academic Performance: A strong high school GPA is essential. The average GPA at Princeton is 3.95, requiring you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants.
Extracurricular Activities: Meaningful involvement in extracurriculars demonstrates your passions, leadership skills, and commitment to making a difference.
Essays: The personal essay provides an opportunity to showcase your unique voice, experiences, and perspectives.
Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors can provide valuable insights into your character, work ethic, and potential.
Optional Application Components: If you've excelled in architecture, creative writing, dance, music, music theater, theater or visual arts, and would like us to consider your talent, you are welcome to submit an optional Arts Supplement. Princeton offers optional alumni interviews. If so, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. The interviews are 30-45 minute informal conversations, where you can discuss the things that are important to you and also ask questions to someone who attended Princeton.

Key Application Requirements

Below you'll find the list of components that comprise the Princeton first-year application:

Submit A Completed Application: You must submit your application online through the Common Application. Princeton's CEEB Code: 2672.
Princeton-specific Questions: In addition to the questions provided by the Common Application, all applicants must submit the Princeton-specific Questions.
Fee Waiver: You may submit a fee waiver one of two ways: 1) Select the fee waiver option on the Common Application. 2) Select one of the following fee waiver options on the application: Princeton-specific, ACT, College Board or NACAC. All low-income students are eligible for the Princeton-specific fee waiver. military are eligible for the Princeton-specific fee waiver. If you use the Princeton-specific fee waiver, you do not need to get approval from your college counselor or academic adviser.
Graded Written Paper: A graded written paper is required, preferably in the subjects of English or history.
Request Transcript: An official transcript must be sent by a school counselor or school official.
School Report (SR): Please ask your school counselor or other school official to complete and submit the SR form.
Counselor Recommendation: Please note that the SR and the Counselor Recommendation are separate items. Be sure to “invite” your school counselor or academic adviser to complete both items.
Two (2) Teacher Recommendations: The subjects should be in core academic areas, such as English, language, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences or math.
Midyear School Report: Please ask your school counselor or other school official to complete and submit this form when your midyear grades are available.
English Proficiency Tests: TOEFL, IELTS, DET or PTE Academic (non-native English speakers only). If English is not your native language and you are attending a school where English is not the language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic), the Duolingo English Test (DET) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). You are not required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, DET or PTE Academic if English is your native language or if you have spent at least three years at a secondary school where English is the primary language of instruction. Please have your scores sent directly to Princeton: TOEFL: 2672.

Application Deadlines

Please review our application dates and deadlines.

Regular Application Due January 1.

Early action applicants must submit digital arts materials by Nov. 6 and regular decision applicants by Jan. 8.

Students taking standardized tests in December or later should have their scores sent directly to Princeton.

Transfer applicants who choose to sit for the test must complete all SAT testing by the March test date.

Maximizing Your Admission Chances

To maximize your chances of admission to Princeton, consider the following strategies:

Aim for High ACT Scores: Target a composite score of 35 or higher to demonstrate your academic preparedness.
Maintain a Strong GPA: Strive for a GPA of 3.95 or higher, indicating top academic performance.
Engage in Meaningful Extracurriculars: Participate in activities that align with your passions and showcase your leadership potential.
Craft Compelling Essays: Write authentic and insightful essays that highlight your unique qualities and experiences.
Seek Strong Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors who know you well and can speak to your strengths.
Apply Early Action (If Princeton is your top choice): Applying Early Action could improve your odds by signaling commitment.

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