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)
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)
Saying "Princeton has a strong engineering program."
Show specific alignment to your interests.
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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.
Q: How has this experience shaped you?
A:
Detail specific lessons learned.
Example: how a debate taught you to listen, not just speak.
Example: how a project failure taught you humility.
Focus on internal growth.
Q: How will this impact campus conversations?
A:
Connect your experience to specific campus spaces.
Example: "In dining hall debates, I share my perspective on X."
Think classroom, dorm, clubs.
Show concrete interaction.
Consider: contributing to discussions at the Women’s Center, engaging in the Princeton University Mentorship Program.
Q: What will classmates learn from you?
A:
Identify specific insights or approaches you offer.
Example: "My peers will learn conflict resolution from my debate experience."
Example: "They will learn adaptability from my diverse background."
Show how your perspective challenges ideas, sparks new thought.
Don't just state lessons; show how you apply them.
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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.
Q: How does your story intersect with service ideals?
A:
Connect your experience to a personal value.
Example: "My tutoring stems from a belief in education access."
Show the emotion that drives this value. What deep conviction emerged?
Show motivation, not just action.
Q: How did you show responsibility to society?
A:
Detail specific actions taken.
Example: "Organized a community garden, providing fresh produce, addressing local food insecurity."
Show tangible societal impact, problem-solving.
Q: How did you show civic engagement?
A:
Describe how you addressed a community need.
Example: "Advocated for local policy change regarding youth programs."
Show active participation in community improvement.
Q: How does Princeton fit your service goals?
A:
Name specific Princeton service initiatives or centers.
Example: "I will join the Pace Center for Civic Engagement to expand my voter registration work."
