Princeton University, commonly referred to as Princeton, is one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions, located in Princeton, New Jersey. When it comes to admissions, SAT scores play a significant role in the evaluation process for prospective students. While Princeton adopts a holistic review approach, strong standardized test scores, such as those from the SAT, are often a critical component of a competitive application. High SAT scores can demonstrate academic readiness for the rigorous curriculum at Princeton University, though they are just one part of the overall admissions decision.
SAT Score Ranges for Admitted Students:
- Score Range: 1460–1580 (based on recent admissions data for the middle 50% of admitted students)
- Average Score: Approximately 1520, reflecting the high academic standards at Princeton University
- Percentile: Scores in the 75th percentile often fall around 1580, indicating exceptional performance
Key Points:
- SAT or ACT scores are currently optional at Princeton University due to test-optional policies, though submitting strong scores can enhance an application.
- Scores are evaluated holistically alongside grades, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations, with no strict minimum threshold.
- Princeton practices superscoring, meaning they consider the highest section scores across multiple SAT test dates.
- Alternatives such as AP or IB test results can also showcase academic strength, especially if SAT scores are not submitted.
- For competitive applicants, aiming for an SAT score of 1500 or higher is recommended to align with the typical profile of admitted students at Princeton.
