Discover the big questions you’ll explore this year—and how innovation can supercharge your answers.
Princeton University.
The upgraded way.
Princeton Supplemental Essays
— The Class of 2027 Guide —
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Start your Supplemental Essay Success below by previewing this guide’s three sections:
Information ⋄ Inspiration ⋄ Innovation
Discover strategies designed by an Ivy Alum and over three hundred success stories!
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— Supplemental Essay Prompts —
Through Guide Section 1 of 3—Information—explore all of this college’s most recent Supplemental Essay Prompts and our strategic Supplemental Styles to innovate your supplemental essay-building process!
Supplemental Length
500 Word Maximum
Supplemental Style
Unique & Uncommon
Supplemental Essay Prompt 1
— Princeton University —
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— Princeton Supplemental Prompt 1 —
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 Word Maximum —
Supplemental Length
250 Word Maximum
Supplemental Style
Extracurriculars & Experiences
Supplemental Essay Prompt 2
— Princeton University —
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— Princeton Supplemental Prompt 2 —
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 Word Maximum —
Supplemental Length
50 Word Maximum
Supplemental Style
Strategic Short Answers
Supplemental Essay Prompt 3
— Princeton University —
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— Princeton Supplemental Prompt 3 —
What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
— 50 Word Maximum —
Supplemental Length
50 Word Maximum
Supplemental Style
Strategic Short Answers
Supplemental Essay Prompt 4
— Princeton University —
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— Princeton Supplemental Prompt 4 —
What brings you joy?
— 50 Word Maximum —
Supplemental Length
50 Word Maximum
Supplemental Style
Strategic Short Answers
Supplemental Essay Prompt 5
— Princeton University —
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— Princeton Supplemental Prompt 5 —
What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?
— 50 Word Maximum —
Supplemental Length
250 Word Maximum
Supplemental Style
Major & Missions
Supplemental Essay Prompt 6
— Stanford University —
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— Princeton Supplemental Prompt 6 —
For Applicants Pursuing an A.B. Degree or 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? Please respond in 250 words or fewer.
— 250 Word Maximum —
Supplemental Length
250 Word Maximum
Supplemental Style
Majors & Missions
Supplemental Essay Prompt 7
— Stanford University —
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— Princeton Supplemental Prompt 7 —
For Applicants Pursuing a B.S.E. Degree
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 Word Maximum —
Supplemental Length
Graded Paper Upload
Supplemental Style
Unique & Uncommon
Past Graded Paper Upload
— Princeton University —
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— Past Graded Written Paper —
Supplemental Material Information on The Common Application
Princeton requires you to submit a graded written paper as part of your application. You may submit this material now or any time before the application deadline. If you choose not to upload the required paper at this time, you may mail, e-mail, or upload your paper through the applicant portal. Detailed instructions for our graded paper requirement can be found here.
For the linked information noted above, thoroughly explore, complete, and review every Princeton University Supplemental Section & All Questions via The Common Application My Colleges Section
— Graded Written Paper Upload —
Supplemental Essay Information
— Princeton University —
Supplemental Strategy
Class of 2027 Applicants
Supplemental Essay
Insider Information
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— Supplemental Essay Strategy —
Streamline your supplemental essay process with our Supplemental Strategy—and bring Princeton within your reach!
Throughout our Supplemental Essay Guides, we provide clarity through our Supplemental Essay Styles. The Styles streamline the entire supplemental essay-building process—and create more success stories.
Streamline your application process with the Supplemental Style Strategy—upgraded for Class of 2027 Students who dream of studying at Princeton University!
— The Class of 2027 Way —
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— Supplemental Essay Examples —
Through Guide Section 2 of 3—Inspiration—read Successful Supplemental Essays from Accepted Alumni! Discover ideas that stand out to admissions at Princeton, and find inspiration for your own success story.
Accepted Alumni
Essay Examples
Supplemental Style
Unique & Uncommon
Supplemental Essay Examples
— Stanford University —
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Featured Supplemental Prompt Similar To Prompt One For Princeton University Applicants:
Explore a Similar Supplemental Prompt From New York University: NYU was founded on the belief that a student’s identity should not dictate the ability for them to access higher education. That sense of opportunity for all students, of all backgrounds, remains a part of who we are today and a critical part of what makes us a world class university. Our community embraces diversity, in all its forms, as a cornerstone of the NYU experience. We would like to better understand how your experiences would help us to shape and grow our diverse community. 250 Word Maximum.
Successful Supplemental Essay Example From Our Accepted Alumni Student:
Not only did my magnet school build my confidence—this community taught me diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and challenges. We unite not due to zip code, appearance, or culture; we unite over our passion for learning.
At NYU, I can continue uniting with others who embrace difference—and challenge the status quo.
With lessons from mentoring peers with diverse challenges, I’m determined to increase opportunities for all. At NYU, I would unpack drivers of inequity and channel leadership toward change. Discussing across disciplines, we can unite our intentions with purpose in The Meaning of Life. Through Stern’s Social Impact Consulting, I can work hands-on with NPOs to foster social mobility. I’m interested in promoting microfinance abroad, support for local businesses, and more.
Through debate and MUN, I’ve embraced diverse perspectives and addressed global challenges. With NYU Debate, I’d join peers across disciplines, tackling international issues and envisioning solutions. Passionate about fair wages and international cooperation, I look forward to Stern’s Global Business & Human Rights and Power & Politics. Through global opportunities, I can even explore small-business-driven community development in Ghana, sustainable initiatives in Costa Rica, and more.
Building significantly upon lessons from robotics business outreach, I look forward to channeling teamwork to uplift diverse groups. With hands-on collaboration in Social Innovation Practicum, I can learn to grow and sustain business that drives social change. I can also collaborate with peers and socially-impactful local NPOs with 180 Degrees Consulting. I’d love to assist initiatives supporting entrepreneurship for NYC youth, creating opportunities for future change-makers.
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— Supplemental Essay Strategy —
Through Guide Section 3 of 3—Innovation—learn success-proven methods to streamline your entire supplemental essay process. Our methods are designed by an Ivy Alum and 300+ student success stories!