Princeton University, an esteemed Ivy League institution, sets high expectations for its students, and this article delves into how those expectations extend to prospective applicants’ SAT scores. When you’re done reading this article, explore our other articles covering Princeton University’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at Princeton University?
Princeton University SAT scores are exceptionally competitive. The average score among admitted applicants hovers around 1540, with the 25th percentile at 1490 and the 75th percentile at 1580. This range signifies the high standards of the institution, although it’s worth noting that there isn’t a single score that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average SAT English score at Princeton University?
Breaking down the SAT, the English section’s average score at Princeton University is 760, with the 25th percentile at 730 and the 75th percentile at 780. Thus, an SAT English score below 730 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers, while a score above 780 would position you in the highest quarter of Princeton University’s SAT English scores.
What is the average SAT Math score at Princeton University?
Princeton University’s admitted applicants maintain strong average SAT Math scores around 780, twenty points higher than the English section score. The 25th percentile of scores falls at 760, and the 75th percentile at a perfect 800. While the upper quarter achieves perfect SAT Math scores, the majority of scores fall below this mark, emphasizing that there’s no strict requirement for applicants to reach perfection.
What are Princeton University’s SAT requirements?
For the upcoming admission cycles (applications due in the falls of 2023, 2024, and 2025), Princeton University has extended its test-optional policy. Although standardized test results will not be required, they will still be valued and evaluated within the application’s larger context. Choosing not to submit standardized testing will not disadvantage applicants. Princeton University encourages applicants to submit any materials, including SAT scores, that they believe will enhance their application.
Applicants may not self-report their SAT scores on their applications; applicants are required to submit official score records. The College Board’s discontinuation of the optional essay portion of the SAT is reflected in Princeton University’s policies, as they no longer require the essay section. The same applies to SAT Subject Tests, which have also been discontinued, and thus these scores will not be considered.
Detailed information about Princeton University’s SAT requirements can be found on their Application Requirements webpage.
What percentage of Princeton University applicants submit the SAT?
Around 59% of admitted applicants to Princeton University submitted SAT scores. Meanwhile, 25% submitted ACT scores, and 16% chose not to submit either test. While the SAT remains popular among admitted applicants, there is no inherent advantage to submitting one test over the other or omitting test scores entirely. The decision should be based on individual circumstances and preferences.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can enhance an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive college like Princeton University. Any student with the means to do so should take the SAT or ACT, as a competitive score will boost the application.
Once scores are received, consider them in the context of the school’s average scores to decide whether to submit to a test-optional school. Princeton University’s SAT score statistics are detailed above, and if scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they are definitely worth submitting. Sending in a strong score will boost the application, but choosing not to do so will not hurt chances. Ultimately, this is a personal decision.
Does Princeton University superscore the SAT?
Princeton University does not create superscores for its applicants, but as they assess applications, they will take into account the highest scores in each section of the SAT across each test date that applicants submit. Therefore, it is in an applicant’s favor to consider submitting multiple test scores if they feel these scores demonstrate their ability more fully than a single test score.
Additionally, Princeton University allows applicants to use the Score Choice option, meaning students can select which test dates they submit scores from.
What’s a good SAT score for Princeton University?
Princeton University does not specify SAT score requirements or cutoffs. There is no one score requirement that applicants must meet for their application to be considered. However, most admitted Princeton University students have high standardized testing scores. The statistics mentioned above show that the average score is around 1540, so aiming for a score at or above the average puts an applicant in a good position. The upper 25% of Princeton University students scored 1570 or higher—likely with a considerable number of perfect scorers among them. A “good” SAT score for Princeton University is probably quite high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1490 | 1540 | 1580 |
| English | 730 | 760 | 780 |
| Math | 760 | 780 | 800 |
Can I get into Princeton University with a low SAT score?
Getting into Princeton University with a low SAT score is challenging, but possible. “Low” is a relative term: below-average scores for Princeton University are still quite high overall. The lower quartile SAT score at Princeton University is 1490. This means that Princeton University students in the lowest 25% scored at or below 1490. With this in mind, it would be in an applicant’s best interest to aim for the lower quartile, if not higher.
However, it is still possible to get into Princeton University with an SAT score below these averages. Applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. Therefore, while scores are important, they are not the only thing an upcoming college applicant should devote their time to—extracurricular passions and projects, as well as academic coursework and college essays, are just as important, if not more so.
When should I take the SAT for Princeton University?
For students who plan to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the SAT for Princeton University is generally during their junior spring semester. However, students applying via single-choice Early Action can take the SAT up until October of their senior year and still submit their scores for evaluation by Princeton University. Students applying Regular Decision can submit scores from tests as late as the December SAT, but the University recommends submission as early as possible.
What is Princeton University’s SAT code?
For submitting official test scores, Princeton University’s SAT code is 2672.
In summary, while Princeton University does not require applicants to submit SAT or ACT test scores for the next three admission cycles, the University still values these scores and considers them alongside the rest of the application. The decision of whether to take and submit exam scores is a personal one, to be evaluated in the context of an applicant’s strengths, goals, and priorities. If you are considering the ACT, explore our Princeton University ACT Breakdown!
