Princeton Supplemental Essays Guide (2025–2026)
Princeton’s essays are thoughtful and reflective. They’re not about being flashy or dramatic. Princeton cares deeply about how you think, how you learn, and how you engage with others.
Strong Princeton essays feel calm, intentional, and honest. If it sounds like you’re trying to impress them, it usually misses the mark.
Let’s go through the prompts in the correct order.
Academic Interest Essay
For A.B. Degree Applicants or Those Who Are 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)
This is Princeton’s version of a why and how you learn essay.
They’re not asking you to lock in a major. They want to know:
• what you’re genuinely curious about
• how you explore ideas
• why Princeton’s academic environment fits the way your brain works
Strong answers:
• name a few connected interests
• explain how they developed
• show how Princeton lets you explore across disciplines
Avoid listing departments or classes without reflection.
Strong structure:
Curiosity → how it developed → how Princeton supports that curiosity
Example direction:
You might be interested in both history and data analysis and explain how Princeton’s flexibility lets you study patterns across time and disciplines.
Academic Interest Essay
For 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)
This essay is about fit, not technical depth.
Princeton wants to see:
• how you were introduced to engineering
• what excites you about problem solving
• why Princeton’s approach aligns with you
You don’t need advanced engineering experience. Curiosity and engagement matter more.
Strong structure:
Initial exposure → interest → growth → why Princeton
Example direction:
A project, class, or moment where you realized you enjoyed building, testing, and improving systems.
Your Voice Essay
Princeton values community and encourages students to engage in respectful conversations that expand perspectives. Reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have on campus. What lessons have you learned? What will your classmates learn from you? How has your lived experience shaped you? (500 words or fewer)
This is the heart of Princeton’s application.
They want to know:
• how your experiences shaped your worldview
• how you engage with different perspectives
• what you bring into conversations
This is not about listing hardships or identities. It’s about how experiences changed how you think, listen, and respond.
You can talk about:
• family background
• cultural experiences
• responsibilities
• moments that challenged your assumptions
Strong structure:
Experience → lesson → how it shows up in conversation → contribution to community
Reflection matters more than story.
Service and Civic Engagement Essay
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)
This is not about hours logged or titles held.
Princeton is looking for:
• how you understand service
• how your perspective evolved
• how service connects to responsibility
Focus on learning and humility, not impact alone.
Strong structure:
Service experience → shift in perspective → values → future engagement
Example direction:
Tutoring, caregiving, or long-term involvement that changed how you think about responsibility and community.
More About You
Please respond to each question in 50 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!
What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
Pick something that reflects curiosity. It doesn’t have to be academic.
Example:
“I want to learn how to cook well enough to feed people confidently. Food feels like a quiet way to build community.”
What brings you joy?
Small, specific joys work best.
Example:
“Solving a problem after being stuck for hours, especially late at night when everything finally clicks.”
What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?
Choose something honest, not something you think sounds impressive.
Example:
“‘Vienna’ by Billy Joel. It reminds me to slow down and stop treating every moment like a deadline.”
What Princeton Essays Should Feel Like
• Reflective
• Thoughtful
• Grounded
• Curious
Princeton values depth over drama.
If you want personalized feedback on your Princeton supplemental essays, I also offer one-on-one essay reviews where I read through your drafts carefully and leave clear, specific suggestions. You can learn more here!