Prompt database · 2026-27 cycle
Princeton University
Deadlines
source| Early Action | November 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | January 1, 2027 |
Essay prompts (7)
- academic interestA.B2026-27250 words
Source details
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?
- academic interestFirst-year applicants to the B.S.E. degree2026-27250 words
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.
- identityAll first-year applicants2026-27500 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?
- communityAll first-year applicants2026-27250 words
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?
- short answerAll first-year applicants2026-2750 words
What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
- short answerAll first-year applicants2026-2750 words
What brings you joy?
- short answerAll first-year applicants2026-2750 words
What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?
The school's published AI policy
AI is not inherently "bad", but I caution against it in your college application. First and foremost, I guarantee that any essay one writes with the help of AI is not going to be nearly as good or authentic as one that an applicant composes on their own. And, remember, we're trying to build a community of learners who will contribute to the academic and social fabric here, so we count on authenticity in the application. Also, you are asked to sign off on your application verifying that the work is yours alone.
The source is a dean's blog post, not a formal policy page.
the school’s published policyChecked Sep 8, 2026
Our reading
Princeton's dean of admission tells applicants that AI "is not inherently 'bad'" but cautions against using it in the college application, resting the binding requirement on authorship - applicants sign off that the work is theirs alone - while publishing no prohibition on AI and no explicit permission for tools that give feedback, organize thoughts, or check grammar.
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