Princeton University

Personal statement required (250-650 words), plus seven supplements:

1. Required (answer 1 of 2 academic prompts, determined by degree, not free choice) · 250 words or fewer

   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.)

   Under the heading "For A.B. Degree Applicants or Those Who Are Undecided". A.B. and undecided applicants answer THIS one; B.S.E. applicants answer the next one instead.

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2. Required (answer 1 of 2 academic prompts, determined by degree, not free choice) · 250 words or fewer

   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.)

   Under the heading "For B.S.E Degree Applicants" (Princeton's page spells it "B.S.E" without the final period in this heading). B.S.E. applicants answer THIS one instead of the A.B./undecided prompt.

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3. Required · 400-500 words

   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 400-500 words.)

   First of two prompts under the section heading "Your Voice". Note this is a RANGE (400-500), not a maximum.

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4. Required · 250 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? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

   Second of two prompts under the section heading "Your Voice". THIS IS THE SERVICE/CIVIC ESSAY WE WERE MISSING.

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5. Required · 50 words or fewer

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

   First of three short questions under the section heading "More About You", introduced by: "Please respond to each question in 50 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!" All three are required, not choose-one.

   Short answer. We review full-length essays only.

6. Required · 50 words or fewer

   What brings you joy?

   Second of three short questions under "More About You".

   Short answer. We review full-length essays only.

7. Required · 50 words or fewer

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

   Third of three short questions under "More About You".

   Short answer. We review full-length essays only.

8. Required · Papers should be at least one page in length. No maximum stated.

   We ask all students to submit a graded written paper for consideration as part of their application to Princeton.

   Not an essay: this is an existing school assignment the student uploads, not new writing. Princeton's rules, verbatim from https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/graded-written-paper : "The paper should be from an academic course in English, social studies or history, from the last three years of secondary school, including senior year. You may send a paper, essay, research paper or in-class essay exam. Note that we are most interested in seeing expository, thesis-driven analytical writing rather than science research, creative writing, personal narratives or papers mostly focused on data analysis." Also: "Papers should be at least one page in length."; "Please include the entire paper as well as the prompt, the grade you received and any available comments."; "The paper should be originally written in English (no translations)." Submit either by uploading with the Common Application or by uploading to the applicant portal, email or USPS mail. The prompt field above quotes the guideline sentence; the exact sentence on the page reads "We ask all students to submit a graded written paper for consideration as part of their application to Princeton." (their, not your) and the questions page states "Please note: Princeton also requires you to submit a graded written paper as part of your application."