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How to Write the Princeton Supplemental Essays 2024-2025

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Consistently ranked one of the best schools in the country, Princeton University boasts a cozy 5:1 student-faculty ratio, an excellent financial aid program, and a broad range of study abroad opportunities for undergraduates. If you get into Princeton , you’ll be taking classes with professors at the tip-top of their fields. Now, it’s just a matter of getting that acceptance letter. We’re here to show you how to write the Princeton supplemental essays, helping you give your best shot at walking through FitzRandolph Gate as a freshman in the Great Class of 2029.

For its class of 2026, Princeton reports an average ACT of 33-35 , a math SAT of 760-800 , and a reading and writing SAT of 730-780 . With the norm being top-notch standardized test scores like these – and a similarly top-notch unweighted GPA of 3.9 for previous classes – you’ll need more than just a stellar transcript to stand out. This is where your essays come in.

The admissions team asks you to respond to  two long-answer  and  three short-answer prompts , for a total of five Princeton supplemental essays in addition to your Common or Coalition App Essay. Don’t let all the writing intimidate you! Each prompt is an opportunity to tip the scales of admission in your favor, and show Princeton officials who you really are beyond your grades and test scores. With that in mind, let’s have a look at Princeton’s seven supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

Princeton’s 2024-2025 Prompts

We recommend you read through all five Princeton supplemental essays before you begin drafting your responses. Here they are!

Short Essay Prompts (50 words or fewer)

• What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
• What brings you joy?
• What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

Long Essay Prompts

Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. as a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. what lessons have you learned in life thus far what will your classmates learn from you in short, how has your lived experience shaped you  (500 words or fewer).

• Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals?  (250 words or fewer)

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General Tips

For the 3 short-answer prompts, you’ll need to convey a meaningful response within a tight  50-word maximum . To do this, we recommend the following tips: avoid restating the question, trim unnecessary connector words, and use colons, semicolons, and em dashes to improve concision.

The two example responses below have the same word count—but the first uses choppy, overly verbose writing, and the second cleans it up using the tips we’ve just discussed.

“A new skill that I would like to learn in college is how to analyze literature. I would like to be able to discuss books like John Locke’s Two Treatises in greater depth. This is because it interested me in high school, but I didn’t understand many of Locke’s theories.”

“John Locke’s Two Treatises on Government has confounded and intrigued me ever since I first read it in high school. At Princeton, I’d love to sharpen my literary analysis skills through discussions with my classmates—and return to writers like Locke with a new understanding of the written word.”

The long essay prompts give you more room to work with –  150 words  for the first prompt and  250  for the other two—but choppy sentence structure, run-ons, and unnecessary fluff will confuse your reader no matter the length of the essay. As such, you should always strive for concision, even with the longer prompts.

To ensure a well-rounded application, try to write your essays on topics you haven’t mentioned in other prompts or your transcript. Admissions officials may start to see you as single-faceted if they see your coding team in your activity list, then read about the same coding team two more times in your short responses. To avoid this, vary your essay topics as much as you can—and take advantage of any prompts where you can discuss an aspect of your background that isn’t reflected in your transcript.

Finally, before we move to a prompt-by-prompt breakdown of the Princeton supplemental essays, here are two tips to keep in mind for both your short responses and long-answer essays.

Be detailed.

For longer essays, try to go from specific anecdotes to broader themes—introductory paragraphs in particular benefit from starting on a direct quote or an engaging scene. For shorter prompts, pick responses that showcase your unique personality. Here’s an example: good food brings everyone joy, but maybe  your  favorite food is your grandma’s red velvet recipe that you love making with her, even if you can’t quite get it right yourself.

Write about you .

This may seem like obvious advice, but many applicants get swept away in explaining the technical aspects of a topic that interests them or describing a school’s resources without connecting them to their own aspirations. Instead of telling admissions officials their School of Public and International Affairs is impressive, tell them why you’re dying to take that one class that aligns perfectly with your interests. Instead of flatly stating that conversations on healthcare are important, tell your reader how a conversation  you  had completely changed your perspective.

With these higher-level tips out of the way, let’s move on to a prompt-by-prompt breakdown of the Princeton supplemental essays.

Princeton Short Essay Prompts

What is a new skill you would like to learn in college  (50 words or fewer).

For this prompt,  specificity is crucial —the more niche the skill you describe, the more interesting and unique your response. For instance, perhaps you want to pick up writing as a skill. But what kind of writing? Academic? Journalistic? Poetry? Narrowing your scope to a laser-focus will show admissions officials you’ve thought about your answer, and truly intend to pursue this skill once you’re on campus.

Another tactic is to focus on an extracurricular. Perhaps you want to learn bird-recognition through Princeton’s surprisingly active bird-watching community, or gain new knowledge about fashion by contributing to  TigerTrends . For this approach, you might try skimming through Princeton’s list of student organizations to see if any interest you.

“I want to be funny—and not just dad-joke funny, but gut-bustingly hilarious at all times. As soon as auditions open, I’d love to try out for Fuzzy Dice or Quipfire and take up improv comedy, so I can overcome my stage fright and start thinking on my feet.”

No matter the skill you choose, your response should show admissions officials your willingness to learn through the resources you find at college. Pay attention to the word “new,” and steer clear of skills you already have or that relate to activities you’ve already discussed. Picking a skill you’re completely unfamiliar with will reflect that you’re unafraid to improve yourself by trying new things.

What brings you joy?  (50 words or fewer)

This is an especially open-ended prompt, which leaves you free to  interpret it in a way that’s genuine and personal to you.  Your answer could be an object, an activity, a piece of media, a memory, or even a person that makes you happy in your day-to-day life. As always, detail is the key to a unique response—everybody likes a nice view, but only you know the joy of monthly hikes with your dad to the waterfall in the woods outside your hometown.

If you’re having trouble coming up with a specific answer to this prompt, consider the following questions: what do you do to cheer yourself up when you’re feeling down? If you had a spare $100 to spend on a hobby, what would you buy? Do you have strong feelings about your favorite color, or favorite food? As long as you can convey it in 50 words (and it’s appropriate), don’t be afraid to pick something strange—an unconventional answer will only help your essay stand out.

What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?  (50 words or fewer)

This one can be a bit tricky.  Be creative,  and make sure to show your reader  why  the song you choose reflects your life. It doesn’t have to be a serious classical number either—your little brother’s enthusiastic but slightly off-beat mix-tape might represent your life in a more personal way than Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

You might also draw from movie soundtracks, or even a sound that people wouldn’t normally consider a song, such as a crackling campfire. Think about a song that will grab your reader’s attention—unless you have an interesting reason for choosing it, a consistent breaker of the Billboard Hot 100 likely won’t stand out. In contrast, saying you relate to the  Super Mario Bros . death jingle or the opening bars of the  Star Wars  theme will certainly pique some interest.

Princeton Long Essay Prompts

This prompt is a bit long, so let’s start by breaking it down. You’ll want to do three things here: one, reflect on a lived experience that shaped who you are today; two, explain why it shaped who you are; and three, illustrate how you’ll bring this lived experience as a new perspective to Princeton’s campus community. With a 500-word maximum, you’ll have time to expand on the lessons you’ve learned— but specificity is still key here. Instead of a laundry list of lessons, try picking one that’s central to who you are, and craft your narrative around that.

Here are some example categories you might reflect on:

• Formative experiences, in school or otherwise
• Important aspects of your background or identity
• Core values and beliefs
• Challenges you’ve overcome
• People or relationships that impacted you
• Sources of inspiration

Above all, Princeton often looks for students who can have respectful, open conversations with their peers even when those conversations challenge their beliefs. This prompt reflects that value— pay particular attention to the words “challenge” and “respectful.” You might write about the time you were halfway through an argument with a high-school classmate and realized you were completely wrong, or a career panel you attended that blew your life plans out of the water. If you can show admissions officials you have a unique perspective to bring to campus, and you’re open to other perspectives that might change your mind, you’ll go a long way toward convincing them you’re the kind of student they’re looking for.

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals.  (250 words or fewer)

This is another prompt where you might find yourself touching on topics you’ve already mentioned elsewhere – namely, any volunteering experience you might’ve listed in your activity transcript. However, bear in mind that you shouldn’t just be listing these experiences again in slightly more detail. Instead, try to  present a compelling narrative  about your beliefs regarding community and civic service, and how you came to believe them.

For instance, you might feel strongly that every citizen should exercise their right to vote. How did you first adopt this ideal? How have you furthered it in your own community? Have you volunteered for any voter outreach programs, or platformed information about voter registration on your social media? How did that work continue to shape your belief in being an active voter?

Even if you’ve already mentioned some of these activities in your transcript, providing the full narrative of your experience will give admissions officials a much deeper understanding of your commitment to service. You can craft this narrative by highlighting two things – one, how you gained your current beliefs, and two, how you’ve concretely demonstrated those beliefs in your volunteer work and activities.

Finally, you might also consider mentioning some volunteer opportunities you’re interested in at Princeton. Your conclusion would likely be the best place to include this—if you wrap up your essay by stating how you plan to carry your ideals forward into the future, explaining how you would do so at Princeton specifically could make a perfect endpoint for your narrative.

If you need help polishing up your Princeton supplemental essays, check out our  College Essay Review  service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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5 Princeton Supplemental Essay Examples for

Are you looking for Princeton supplemental essay examples? You're in the right place. In this blog, we share five different Princeton supplemental essay examples to help you prepare for your own  supplemental college essays . Whether you are applying to Princeton itself or another prestigious and highly competitive institution like  Brown  or  Stanford , it is important that you ace your college essays. 

Most of the top colleges have a holistic admissions process, which is why they often require supplemental college essays in addition to your personal statement. These essays tell them a bit more about the person behind the grades and extracurriculars. It also allows them to evaluate your writing skills and get a sense of your personality. All of these things can significantly affect their decision to offer you admission, put you on the waitlist or reject your application altogether.

Reviewing different  college essay examples  is a great way to learn  how to write a college essay  because it teaches you how to tackle different types of prompts and gives you a better idea of what is expected from your essay. So, without much further ado, let's take a look at a few outstanding Princeton supplemental essays. 

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Article Contents 9 min read

Princeton supplemental essay example # 1.

Prompt: As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? - 250 words.

My record for solving the New York Times crossword puzzle is 12 minutes 45 seconds. That was three years ago, and I am still trying to beat it. 

I have always loved puzzles. The kind of puzzle doesn't matter much to me - whether it is a jigsaw puzzle, a rubrics cube, a crossword puzzle, or a mathematical equation. I simply enjoy having something in front of me that requires solving, and once I pick it up, I can't put it down until I solve it.

I believe that this love for solving problems is what got me interested in maths in the first place. I find it fascinating that we can use maths equations to understand complex concepts like time and space and solve problems in various areas like engineering and economics.

I have been intrigued by mathematics since my first algebra class in middle school because it is the key to figuring out some of the world's most complex puzzles. I have participated in summer programs for high school students where the focus was on applied mathematics and enrolled in an introduction to applied Maths course at my local community college in order to build a strong foundation. 

I am excited to learn about all the different ways we can use maths to solve puzzles in various disciplines, and I believe that the flexible and interdisciplinary nature of the maths program at Princeton would allow me to explore this interest in a way that no other school can. (250 words)

Prompt: Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in, or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests. - 250 words.

"Which NASA are you talking about?" I asked my Princeton tour guide while struggling to pick my jaw back up from the floor. 

She chuckled and asked me which NASA I thought she meant. 

This exchange occurred last summer when I visited Princeton's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering labs. I was excited to learn that students from the Princeton Rocketry Club had been instrumental in designing tools for the space program. I couldn't believe that undergraduate students were getting to contribute to the exploration of space. 

While I was excited to hear about this, I was definitely not surprised. One of the many reasons I am interested in pursuing my aerospace engineering degree at Princeton is that the program gives students a chance to explore, research, develop and invent independently. 

I have been working on a solar sailplane glider since last summer, and I am confident that with the knowledge and guidance that I will receive from the great minds at Princeton, I can use my senior year independent project to develop this project further. My aim is to improve the functionality of solar-powered airplanes, and I know that no other school can give the tools and facilities to do that. 

Lastly, I truly appreciate the fact that Andrea Goldsmith, the current dean of the school of engineering and applied sciences, is not only a brilliant mind but a woman who understands what it is like to be a woman in STEM.  (241 words)

Take the time to research! In order to write a strong essay in response to this prompt, you will need to research Princeton's engineering school and the specific engineering programs so that you can provide specific details. The admissions committee wants to know why you are applying to Princeton's engineering program, and general reasons like \"it's a highly ranked program\" are not going to cut it. ","label":"Tip","title":"Tip"}]' code='tab1' template='BlogArticle'>

Prompt: Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you. - 150 words.

When I first saw the flyer for community garden volunteers, I was confused. I didn't know we had a community garden, and more importantly, I didn't understand what a community garden was. That said, I had been looking for ways to get involved in my community, and I was intrigued. 

Two years later, I am one of the program's coordinators. I have gotten to work alongside people I might have never met otherwise, and they have taught me about giving back, gardening, and more. One of my favorite volunteers, Marjorie, an older lady with pink streaks in her greying hair who loves to tell me stories about the sixties, has even taught me how to cook the best collard greens I have ever had. 

I now understand that the community garden is there to grow food for the neighborhood and unite us by giving us a common goal.  (148 words).

Princeton supplemental essay example # 4

Prompt: At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future? -250 words.

I joined the Youth Collaboration Program at the end of my junior year of high school. It is a program that students from different schools in the city can apply for, and a select few are chosen to represent youth interests within the local government. I wanted to participate in the program to gain insight into the inner workings of local government and get practical experience.

What I did not realize is that this program is a collaborative enterprise and melting pot of ideologies, faiths, ethnic backgrounds, and socio-economic classes. Although I learned a lot from the program, I learned even more from the other students who participated in the program. We all shared our experiences with the representatives and each other. I particularly remember David talking about his cousin's body being stuffed into the trunk of a car after a gang killed him. 

Prompt: Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals. – 250 words.

I started listening to French music a few years ago when I learned that it could help improve my vocabulary. That is how I came across a song called "Lettre à la Maison Blanche," in which the singer essentially begs the white house and the United Nations to help with the situation in Rwanda. The song was so touching that I googled the singer and found out it had been written about the Rwandese genocide. 

This led me to read about Rwanda and the fantastic progress that it has made as a nation since the end of the genocide. I was especially impressed by the country's efforts to conserve wildlife in the Nyungwe forest, which is one of the world's most biodiverse areas. As a volunteer for the Wildlife Conservation Society(WCS), I was able to spend last summer in Rwanda helping with WCS' education and outreach initiative.

It was one of the most enriching experiences that I have ever had. Not only because I am passionate about climate change but also because I got to travel, discover new cultures, and practice my French. This experience motivated me anew to keep working towards sustainability.

I would love to join the efforts of the students who run the many sustainability programs at Princeton. I am especially interested in the Princeton Environmental Activism Coalition (PEAC) and the Princeton Conservation Society, as I believe that my experiences with the WCS have given me the tools I need to be an asset to those teams.  (250 words)

The Princeton supplement requires students to provide some additional information about themselves. Students are required to answer the three questions below in 50 words or less. We recommend using as many of those 50 words as possible. You’re given space for 50 words for a response that could easily be one or two words, so take advantage of that space. 

Since these are not typical essay questions, you can play around with the format a little bit ( like in the example below) and get creative. Your responses to these questions should be honest but written with the audience in mind. Remember that the aim is to stand out and tell the admissions committee who you are. So stay away from generic answers, showcase your personality and highlight your strengths.

We recommend reaching out to a  college essay review service  if you have doubts about your answers or are unsure how to use these questions to showcase your strengths. 

Now, here are a few examples to give you a better idea of how to tackle these short answer questions:

What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?

I started writing my bucket list on my 16th birthday, and one of the items on my list is to learn how to speak at least five languages. I speak English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. While in college, I'd like to learn Italian too. (43 words)

What brings you joy?

I derive joy from many things, including but not limited to the following:

·         The smell of new books

·         Warm chai lattes

·         Color-coordinated closets

·         Extended metaphors in rap music

·         That eureka moment when you solve a puzzle

·         Gilmore Girl re-reruns

·         Dancing toddlers

·         Musical sing-alongs ( especially Les Misérables)

·         Funny puns

Writing college essays is not easy, and the Princeton supplemental essays can be especially challenging. It is important that you give yourself enough time to research and plan before you start putting pen to paper for these essays. There is no golden template for college essays. The key is ensuring that your essay tells a story and teaches the admissions committee about you. This is especially important if you are trying to  get into college with a low GPA. 

Make sure you use specific examples from your background and experiences and include detailed information about the school to show the admissions committee that you are interested in this school in particular, not just any highly ranked institution.

If you want your Princeton supplemental essays to be as impactful as possible, you should consider investing in  college admissions consulting  so that you can benefit from the services of a college essay advisor. They can guide you through the brainstorming, researching, writing, and editing process to ensure you submit compelling essays that will stand out and help you beat the competition, even if you don't have perfect stats. 

Getting into Princeton requires a very strong application. Last year, the school had an acceptance rate of 4.3%, meaning that for every 100 applications received, only about four students were offered admission. So it is fair to say that getting into Princeton is no easy feat.

In addition to the  Common App essay , Princeton requires undergraduate applicants to submit four supplemental college essays, one graded written paper, and answer three short questions.

You can make your Princeton supplemental essay stand out by having a strong introduction, including specific details about the school's programs or majors, and showing instead of telling. If you're not sure how to do this naturally in your essay, we recommend reaching out to a  college essay advisor  for assistance.

You do not  need  one, but we recommend working with one if you want to maximize your chances of writing the best essay possible. As admission professionals, essay advisors can provide insight that the untrained eye can't.

Princeton no longer requires applicants to submit the optional writing section of the SAT or ACT. Instead, it asks applicants to submit a one or two-page paper, essay, research paper, or essay exam from one of their academic courses that a teacher graded. 

To be a competitive applicant for Princeton, you need a GPA of 3.9, as that is the current entering class' average.

Your Princeton supplemental essays are an integral part of your application. There are students with perfect stats who do not get in because of poorly written essays, so do not underestimate their importance.

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Princeton Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice

August 23, 2024

Although Princeton has withheld admissions statistics for the Class of 2028, citing concerns with student anxiety levels, their last reported acceptance rate was 4.5% for the Class of 2027. However, even if the acceptance rate has gone up (or down) a percentage or two since, it doesn’t change much—when applying to an Ivy like Princeton, even applicants with perfect GPAs and test scores need to find a way to stand out from a pack of equally credentialed teens. Fortunately, the Princeton supplemental essays provide just such an opportunity. These compositions present the chance for wannabe Tigers to showcase superior writing ability. This is an opportunity to craft responses that are authentic, honest, compelling, and potentially needle-moving to the admissions office.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Princeton? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Princeton: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Below are Princeton’s essay prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle with accompanying advice about how to tackle each one:

Princeton Supplemental Essays – Your Voice

1) Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you? (500 words or fewer)

Essentially, Princeton is trying to uncover how your personal experiences will impact what kind of academic and social community member you might be. As such, this prompt wants you to discuss: 1) a specific aspect of your lived experience 2) what you learned and how you might engage with others as a result of that lived experience. “Lived experience” is broad and could include:

• Your role in your family.
• Your role in your social group.
• A challenge you’ve faced.
• A formative experience or realization.
• Important aspects of your upbringing.
• Cultural, religious, or community influence.

Princeton Supplemental Essays (Continued)

Once you’ve chosen a particular direction, think about what you’ve learned from the experience and what you think others could learn from you. This is a chance to show that you are an open-minded, curious, and humble young person who is willing to learn and grow from their experiences. For example, perhaps growing up on military bases with a parent who was frequently deployed taught you about the importance of putting yourself out there to find a supportive community.

Perhaps you also learned that you have to be intentional about creating said community, which can be a difficult proposition in an increasingly technological and social-media-centric world. It’s also taught you not to take the relationships in your life for granted. As a result, you hope to model the importance of in-person connections and friendships—and the importance of putting a significant amount of effort into those friendships—even when it may feel easier to connect virtually.

With 500 words at your disposal, Princeton has given you ample space to explore a particular aspect of your identity. You’ll just want to ensure that whatever topic you choose is completely unique from your Common App personal statement.

Princeton Supplemental Essays – Service and Civic Engagement

2) Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals?   (250 words or fewer)

Remember, the admissions committee has already seen the  President’s Volunteer Service Award  and the number of hours you volunteered at multiple nonprofit organizations. This shouldn’t be a recap of already-presented information. Rather, applicants should strive to share issues close to their hearts. We encourage you to share specific details about a time (or two) when you were civically engaged or volunteered on a community service project. Why was this experience important to you? Why and how did it cement the values of service and civic engagement? For example, perhaps you started making blankets for a local hospital during COVID, which evolved into a thriving extracurricular club that now has fifteen other members. Whatever you decide, you’ll want to demonstrate a deep-rooted and genuine connection to service. Moreover, consider including a Princeton-specific resource or two that will allow you to continue pursuing meaningful engagement.

Princeton Supplemental Essays – More About You

Please respond to each question in 50 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!

1) What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?

You can be straightforward, offbeat, or highly creative on this one—all with equal effectiveness. The straightforward answer would be something directly related to Princeton’s programmatic or extracurricular offerings. Discussing particular character traits, work habits, or social goals you hope to pursue—like networking or meditating—are fair game as well. If you really hope that college is when you finally take the time to pursue a new hobby, go ahead and share those aims in this space. It could be anything: crossword puzzles, stand-up comedy, yoga, genealogy, journaling, cooking, sewing, etc.

2) What brings you joy? 

What brings you great pleasure and happiness? Universal experiences of joy like family, a beautiful sunset, a place, a hobby, a tradition, or your cat or dog curled on your lap are perfectly acceptable answers here. However, you could also talk about dreams for the future, more bittersweet moments, abstract thoughts, moments of glorious introversion, or a time that you  unexpectedly  felt joy.

3) What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

As Plato wrote, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Music can express emotions that are beyond words. What stirs up deep feelings of connection within your soul? Be honest. It doesn’t have to be Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Rather, it might be a piece by Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, or Lana Del Ray. Don’t be afraid to share what music you genuinely connect with even if it isn’t “high-brow.” In addition, be sure to include a brief “why.”

Princeton Supplemental Essays – Degree-Specific

Depending on whether you are applying to an A.B. or B.S.E. program, you’ll need to answer an additional essay question:

A.B. (or Undecided) Essay

As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

B.S.E. Essay

Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests. (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

For both essays, you’ll want to discuss your personal experiences in relation to your academic interests as well as why Princeton will be the optimal place to pursue them. Let’s break this down:

• Which academic/engineering areas are you most drawn to, and why? What experiences have you had? How have you engaged with your interest areas up to this point? This should be fairly brief—a paragraph at most.
• Why will Princeton be the best fit for you? Stay focused on academic programs/offerings here, which could include academic departments , professors ,  research opportunities , internship programs ,  courses , degree structure/curriculum , etc. Be sure to discuss how you plan to take advantage of your chosen resources.

Princeton Supplemental Essays – Graded Paper

In addition to the essays noted above, you’ll also need to submit a graded paper as part of your application . Princeton recommends that your paper be between 1-2 pages in length, so don’t go crazy and send them your 25-page English paper. Ideally, the paper will be as recent as possible—junior year is preferable. Moreover, your English and/or history teacher will be an excellent resource who can help you decide which of your papers best represents your writing ability and will be the most advantageous to include. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to submit the paper’s grade as well as your teacher’s comments, so it should go without saying that you’ll want to send Princeton a paper that you’ve excelled on.

How important are the Princeton supplemental essays?

Princeton rates the essays as being a “very important” factor in their evaluation process. The essays are listed alongside GPA, the rigor of high school coursework, class rank, extracurricular activities, recommendations, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities.

Want personalized essay assistance with your Princeton essays?

Lastly, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Princeton supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

Looking for additional writing resources? Consider checking out the following blogs:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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Breaking down the princeton supplemental essays (2024).

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College admissions creative designer and lead admissions expert, table of contents.

• Let’s meet Liam:

Prompt #1: For A.B. Degree Applicants or Those Who Are Undecided

Prompt #2: for b.s.e degree applicants.

• Prompt #4: 
• Prompt #5: 
• Prompt #6: 
• Prompt #7: 

10 Tips for Princeton Supplemental Essays

Final thoughts.

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

Are you thinking about applying to Princeton? You’re in the right place. Princeton University is known for its rigorous academic standards and competitive admissions process. With this, supplemental essays are a crucial component of your application. But don’t stress out!

We’re here to help you navigate the process of writing exceptional Princeton supplemental essays that can boost your chances of getting admitted.

Let’s meet Liam:

Liam has always aspired to attend Princeton University as a student-athlete. While he was passionate about sports, his academic direction was still being determined. However, his unwavering work ethic and love for sports medicine eventually led him to pursue bioengineering. Throughout high school, he devoted himself to athletics, learning essential skills such as discipline, time management, and perseverance. During the summers, he interned at a local sports clinic, where he became fascinated by the intersection of medicine and sports. This experience fueled his determination to make a significant impact at the university he would attend.

To tailor his supplemental essays to reflect his unique journey and fit for Princeton’s bioengineering program, Liam approached them with careful consideration. He emphasized his desire to impact the training and treatment of athletes through bioengineering. He mentioned specific faculty members whose research aligned with his interests and highlighted how Princeton’s state-of-the-art labs would provide the perfect environment for his studies. He detailed his role as the captain of his high school track team and his internship experiences at the sports clinic, underscoring how these activities taught him leadership, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that he believed would make him a valuable member of the Princeton community.

Liam also showcased his fascination with bioengineering, recounting his science fair projects and advanced coursework. He explained how these experiences prepared him for the challenges of Princeton’s bioengineering program. Liam articulated his vision of contributing to sports medicine research throughout his essays, and he shared his long-term goal of developing innovative treatments to enhance athlete performance and recovery, aligning his aspirations with Princeton’s commitment to groundbreaking research.

Liam’s well-crafted essays and an impressive academic and extracurricular record made a compelling case to the admissions officers. His ability to connect his personal experiences and future goals with Princeton’s offerings showcased his fit for the university. Ultimately, Liam’s hard work paid off—he received his acceptance letter and was on his way to finding his path as a student at Princeton.

Want to be more like Liam?

Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Today, we will take an opportunity to dissect the Princeton University supplemental essays and share tips and tricks to help you write a winning essay like Liam. But before we begin, let’s start with the basics. Why are these essays so crucial?

Show Your Fit:

Princeton and its admissions committee want to understand why you are an excellent match for their institution. It’s crucial to connect any research you have done about the university, such as professors, traditions, and areas of research, to explain why you want to attend the university and why you are the best fit for the program you are applying for. This understanding will not only help you write a compelling essay but also demonstrate your genuine interest in Princeton.

Highlight Your Unique Qualities:

These essays are your chance to showcase what makes you unique beyond your grades and test scores. This can be your hobbies, passions, aspirations, or anything that makes you shine as a student and individual! Embrace this opportunity to show the admissions officers the unique perspective and value you can bring to the Princeton community.

Tell Your Story:

You can share your personal story, interests, and goals to show the admissions officers that you’re not just anybody; you’re you! Your life experience and insights have transformed you into who you are today, so highlight them! This is your chance to take control of your application and present yourself in the best light possible.

Now, let’s break down each of the Princeton supplemental essay prompts and how to tackle them.

As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

In this prompt, students are being asked to explain what area of study they’re interested in and why! This is an excellent opportunity to show admissions officers your passions and aspirations, even if you don’t have a particular major to which you’re fully set on applying.

Brainstorming questions:

• What are my favorite subjects in school?
• What topics do I read about or research in my free time?
• What are my hobbies or extracurricular activities?
• Have I participated in any projects, clubs, or competitions related to my interests?
• Which academic disciplines excite me the most?
• What unique programs or departments at Princeton align with my interests?
• What interdisciplinary opportunities does Princeton offer that appeal to me?
• How can Princeton’s programs help me achieve my long-term goals?

Example for Prompt #1

“Imagine a world where Freud meets the future—where algorithms and therapy sessions that unravel the complexities of the human mind are powered by artificial intelligence. This is the intersection of psychology and computer science, and it’s where my academic curiosity ignites, blazing a trail right to Princeton’s doorstep.

In high school, I was the kid who alternated between reading Freud’s theories and coding quirky apps. My fascination with human cognition led me to deep-dive into psychology, while my love for tech saw me winning programming competitions and crafting an app to boost mental health. Then it hit me: why not merge the two? AI has the potential to revolutionize psychological research and practice, and I wanted to be at the forefront of this innovation.

Princeton’s interdisciplinary approach is an academic playground. The university’s stellar Psychology program, paired with its cutting-edge Computer Science department, is a match made in geek heaven. I want to join the Princeton Neuroscience Institute and the Center for Information Technology Policy. I envision myself contributing to groundbreaking research projects that blend AI with human behavior studies.”

 Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in or exposure to engineering and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests. (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

This prompt is quite straightforward—this is your time to showcase why studying engineering at Princeton is the right path for you and your aspirations! Use this opportunity to share your connections between what you love about your experiences or studies within the engineering field and how you will use the resources at Princeton to make an impact further.

Brainstorming Questions:

• Why did you choose engineering? What aspects of engineering excite you the most? When did you first realize you were interested in engineering?
• What specific areas of engineering fascinate you?
• What experiences have you had related to engineering? What competitions, internships, or volunteer work have you been involved in?
• How do you envision using your engineering education in the future?
• What specific engineering programs or departments at Princeton interest you? Are there particular professors, labs, or research centers that you are excited about?
• What unique opportunities does Princeton offer that appeal to you?

Example for Prompt #2

Picture this:

“Why do I want to study engineering at Princeton? Picture this: a kid with a LEGO obsession who traded blocks for circuit boards, dreaming of building robots that could outsmart his dog (no small feat, I assure you). My fascination with engineering started early and has since evolved into a quest to solve real-world problems with innovative solutions.

Princeton’s School of Engineering and Applied Science is the ultimate playground for my ambitions. The university’s commitment to interdisciplinary research aligns perfectly with my desire to blend mechanical engineering with computer science. I’m particularly excited about the Keller Center for Innovation in Engineering Education, where I can dive into hands-on projects that address societal challenges.”

Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff, and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall, or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you?  (Please respond in 500 words or fewer.)

This is a great prompt to reflect on your personal beliefs and values, especially when moving forward into your higher education path. Entering college is the first step for many of us toward adulthood, so reflecting on your current and past experiences and how they’ll shape your time in college is undoubtedly essential! Take time to reflect on experiences you have had within your own life, at school, in your community, and so on, and think about the impact you want to make at Princeton.

• What are some significant experiences that have shaped your worldview?
• Have you faced any challenges or overcome obstacles that have influenced your perspective? How did you navigate these challenges, and what did you learn from them?
• What are some pivotal moments or turning points in your life?
• How have these experiences shaped the way you view the world?
• In what ways do you hope to engage with the Princeton community?
• How do you approach conversations with people who have different beliefs or backgrounds?
• What are the most important lessons you have learned from your experiences? How have these lessons influenced your values and goals?
• What perspectives or insights can you offer to your classmates?
• How do you hope to contribute to and enrich the Princeton community?

Example for Prompt #3

“Growing up in a multicultural household, my life has been a tapestry woven with diverse perspectives and experiences. My father, a software engineer from India, and my mother, a social worker from the United States, instilled in me a deep appreciation for technological innovation and social justice. These dual influences have shaped my worldview and equipped me with a unique lens through which I approach conversations and challenges.

I envision engaging in dialogues bridging technology and social equity gaps at Princeton. In the classroom, I will draw on my experiences to challenge and expand discussions about the ethical implications of technological advancements. For instance, in a computer science course, I might raise questions about algorithmic bias and its impact on marginalized communities, encouraging my peers to consider the broader societal consequences of their work.”

Prompt #4: 

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

Thinking about your experiences, values, and actions that align with Princeton’s commitment to service and civic engagement will help you deeply explore your dedication to improving society. Take the time to recall moments when you actively engaged in community service, such as organizing neighborhood clean-up drives, volunteering at food banks, or leading fundraisers. Furthermore, link these reflections to Princeton’s mission to show your enthusiasm for becoming part of a community that values civic engagement. Explain how you plan to contribute to and benefit from Princeton’s resources and opportunities in this area and why attending Princeton will enable you to contribute positively to the community and beyond.

• Have you participated in any community service projects? If so, what were they, and what role did you play?
• Have you ever volunteered for a cause or organization? What motivated you to get involved, and what did you learn from the experience?
• What does civic engagement mean to you personally?
• Why do you believe it’s important to give back to society?
• How do your values align with the principles of service and civic responsibility?
• How have you used your skills to benefit others or address a community need?
• Can you think of a specific problem you helped solve through civic engagement?
• How do your experiences and values connect with Princeton’s commitment to service and civic engagement?
• In what ways do you hope to continue your service and civic activities at Princeton?
• How do you envision contributing to Princeton’s community and society through your service involvement?

Example for Prompt #4

“Service and civic engagement have been cornerstones of my journey, deeply intertwined with my identity and aspirations. Growing up in a family that emphasized giving back, I was introduced to community service at an early age. My parents, active volunteers in local initiatives, instilled in me a sense of responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society.

At Princeton, I see endless opportunities to expand my engagement in service through programs like the Pace Center for Civic Engagement and initiatives such as Community Action. I am eager to collaborate with peers and faculty who share my dedication to social impact, leveraging Princeton’s resources to tackle pressing societal issues.”

Prompt #5: 

What is a new skill you would like to learn in college? (50 words or less)

This prompt is a bit different. With only 50 words to work with, tackling this may seem a little daunting. Don’t worry – Princeton’s admissions committee wants to learn more about you as a person, academic, and thinker! This is a great time to look into the future and think of everything you want to learn and accomplish as a student at Princeton. What skills do you want to know as you move through your degree?

• What are you passionate about or interested in exploring more deeply?
• Is there a hobby or interest you’d like to develop into a skill?
• How does this new skill align with your future career aspirations?
• Can any skills help you in your intended major or profession?
• What courses, clubs, or resources at college are available for learning this skill?
• Are there faculty members or programs at the college that can support your learning?
• Have any previous experiences sparked your interest in this new skill?
• What challenges or gaps have you identified in your current knowledge or abilities?
• How will this new skill enhance your academic, personal, or professional life?
• What do you hope to achieve by learning this skill during college?

Example for Prompt #5

“I’ve always been fascinated by technology and its potential to solve real-world problems. Learning to code will enable me to create innovative solutions and contribute to technological advancements. At Princeton, I hope to join the computer science program and work on projects that address global challenges, like climate change and healthcare.”

Prompt #6: 

What brings you joy? (50 words or less)

This question invites you to explore and share what truly brings you joy. Whether it’s a simple pleasure like video games or a profound passion like philosophy, this is your chance to reveal a personal aspect of yourself. The goal is to give admissions officers a glimpse into what makes you tick and why it matters to you. With only 50 words, focus on being concise yet impactful. Think about how this joy reflects your personality and interests, and aim to make your statement memorable and meaningful.

• What simple or profound thing in life brings you happiness? Examples: Playing the piano, hiking, reading, cooking, volunteering.
• What feelings or experiences does it evoke?
• How does it reflect your values or passions?
• How does this source of joy shape who you are?
• Why is it significant in your life?

“Creating art brings me joy. Whether painting a vibrant landscape or sketching a simple portrait, expressing myself through visual mediums fills me with peace and fulfillment.”

“Listening to classical music brings me joy because it’s a soothing escape from daily stress and a reminder of beauty in simplicity.”

“Photographing gardening brings me joy through nurturing growth and witnessing the seed’s transformation into bloom. Capturing this process through the art of timelapse is a poetic reminder of how we all flourish when nourished by what we love.”

Prompt #7: 

What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment? (50 words or less)

The prompt “What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?” allows students to express their current emotional state, values, or life situation through a song that resonates with them. Music is profoundly influential, so how can you use it to analyze your life in this current moment? How does it explain what you might be going through, good or bad, or what thoughts and feelings you might be experiencing?

• What emotions or thoughts are you experiencing most strongly right now?
• Are you feeling hopeful, reflective, excited, or challenged?
• What song’s lyrics or melody resonate with your current situation?
• Is there a song you listen to often that reflects your current state of mind?
• What themes or messages does the song convey?
• How do these themes relate to your current life experience?
• How does this song capture your personal journey or current phase of life?
• What does this song mean to you personally?
• How does this song make you feel when you listen to it?
• What role does this song play in your daily life or helping you through challenges?

Example for Prompt #7:

“‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles perfectly captures my excitement and hope for college. As I begin this new chapter, the song’s message of renewal and optimism reminds me that each day brings new opportunities, no matter what came before.”

“‘Fight Song’ by Rachel Platten reflects my determination and resilience as I face new challenges and strive towards my goals. As I move through the difficulties in my life, this song has always remained a beacon of hope in my journey no matter where I may find myself.”

Here is how two students approached their Princeton supplemental essays:

Before you dive into writing, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Research Thoroughly

To write a strong Princeton essay, you must first understand what makes Princeton unique and why you’re an excellent fit for the admissions spot. Start by visiting Princeton’s official website and exploring the sections about its mission, values, and academic programs. Look for information about Princeton’s commitment to public service, its focus on interdisciplinary studies, and its supportive community. This research will help you show you know what Princeton stands for and how you fit into its vision.

2. Showcase Your Fit

When explaining why you are a good fit for Princeton, focus on how your interests and goals align with what Princeton offers. Talk about specific aspects of Princeton that attract you, such as their unique programs, collaborative culture, or supportive environment. Make it clear that you’ve done your homework and understand why Princeton is the right place to thrive and contribute.

3. Be Authentic

Your essay should reflect who you are. Share personal stories and experiences that highlight your unique qualities and perspectives. Being authentic means showing your true self rather than writing what you think admissions officers want to hear. Genuine stories about your challenges and achievements will make your essay stand out.

4. Answer the Prompt Directly

Make sure your essay answers the specific prompt you are given. Understand what the prompt asks and ensure that every part of your essay is relevant to that question. Stay focused and avoid going off-topic. A clear and direct response to the prompt will make your essay more effective.

5. Use Concrete Examples

Support your points with specific examples and details to make your essay more compelling. Concrete examples help admissions officers see your achievements, passions, and challenges more clearly. Instead of general statements, use detailed stories to illustrate your experiences.

6. Connect Past Experiences to Future Goals

Show how your past experiences have shaped your future goals and how Princeton can help you achieve them. Explain how your previous experiences have influenced your career aspirations and how Princeton’s resources will support you in reaching these goals.

7. Highlight Contributions

Discuss what you will bring to the Princeton community. Talk about your interests, experiences, or skills that will benefit Princeton and make you a valuable addition to their campus. Admissions officers want to know how you will contribute to their community, so be sure to show them why you are a wonderful fit for the Princeton student body.

8. Edit and Revise

Editing is a vital part of writing your essay. Make sure your essay is clear, coherent, and free from grammatical errors. Ask for feedback from peers, teachers, or mentors to ensure your essay is polished and effective. If you need additional help, our expert Essay Editing team can help you polish your writing and set you up for success!

9. Showcase Intellectual Curiosity

Show your passion for learning by discussing books, research, or intellectual pursuits that inspire you. Highlight specific interests and how they reflect your academic passions and potential growth at Princeton!

10. Reflect on Personal Growth

Discuss experiences that have helped you grow personally and shaped your values and ambitions. Reflect on how these moments have prepared you for future challenges and influenced your goals and perspective on life.

Writing Princeton supplemental essays may seem daunting, but remember:

You’ve got this. 

By understanding what Princeton values and thoughtfully crafting your responses, you can make a strong impression on the admissions committee—still, feeling unsure? 

Don’t hesitate to seek personalized guidance on your college application journey. Our dedicated team of college admissions counselors has helped 98% of students achieve admission to the top 25 Ivy League universities. Whether you need help brainstorming ideas or refining your drafts, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our team today.

Applying to Princeton is a significant step, and your supplemental essays are crucial in showcasing who you are. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to crafting compelling essays that stand out.

Remember, the key is to be genuine and to let your unique voice and perspective shine throughout each piece. Good luck, and happy writing!

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