Princeton University

Essay prompts (7)

1. academic interest2026-27250 words

   Applies to: First-year applicants to the A.B. degree or undecided

   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?

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Princeton University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

2. academic interest2026-27250 words

   Applies to: First-year applicants to the B.S.E. degree

   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.

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Princeton University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

3. identity2026-27500 words

   Applies to: All first-year applicants

   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?

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Princeton University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

4. community2026-27250 words

   Applies to: All first-year applicants

   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?

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Princeton University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

5. short answer2026-2750 words

   Applies to: All first-year applicants

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

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Princeton University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

6. short answer2026-2750 words

   Applies to: All first-year applicants

   What brings you joy?

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Princeton University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

7. short answer2026-2750 words

   Applies to: All first-year applicants

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

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Princeton University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

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