Princeton Supplemental Essays 2025-2026 : Prompts, Expert Tips & Sample Answers

Updated on
July 3, 2025
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Princeton requires a graded written paper, plus several supplemental essays.

Prompt 1: Academic Interests (A.B. Degree Applicants 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? (250 words or fewer)
Princeton Academic Interests (A.B./Undecided) Q&A Slides

Q: How to pick academic areas?

A:

  • Identify specific questions you pursue.
  • Not "biology," but "how CRISPR impacts gene expression."
  • Show intellectual drive.

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Prompt 2: Why Engineering? (B.S.E. Degree Applicants)

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 or fewer)
Princeton Engineering Interests (B.S.E.) Q&A Slides

Q: Why Engineering at Princeton?

A:

  • State your core engineering drive.
  • Not "I like math." Say "I build solutions for energy grid stability."
  • Connect to a specific, complex problem.

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Prompt 3: Your Voice

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 'Your Voice' Q&A Slides

Q: What lived experience to focus on?

A:

  • Choose one experience that shaped your perspective.
  • Example: navigating cultural differences in a new school.
  • Example: leading a diverse team on a complex project.
  • Example: overcoming a language barrier, navigating socioeconomic challenges.
  • It must be a shaping force, not just an event.

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Prompt 4: Service and Civic Engagement

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)
Princeton Service & Civic Engagement Q&A Slides

Q: What service experience to highlight?

A:

  • Focus one sustained, impactful experience.
  • Example: launched a voter registration drive for low-income communities.
  • Example: tutoring underserved youth.
  • Show consistent engagement, not one-off events.

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Prompt 5: More About You (Short Answers)

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?
  2. What brings you joy?
  3. What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?
Princeton 'More About You' Q&A Slides

Princeton Short Answers: Show Your True Self

A:

  • These questions reveal personality.
  • Be authentic. No right or wrong answers.
  • Every word counts.

All the best for your applications!