Is Princeton Test-Optional? Requirements + Tips

Is Princeton test-optional? Yes, for the 2025 admissions cycle, you can apply without SAT or ACT scores and still be fully considered. Test scores won’t hurt your chances if you don’t submit them.

This guide explains Princeton’s testing policy, what you need to know about submitting scores, and tips to help you decide if sending your results will strengthen your application.

• Is Princeton Test-Optional in 2025?
• Princeton SAT Requirements
• Princeton ACT Requirements
• How to Ace the SAT/ACT for Princeton Admission
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Is Princeton Test-Optional in 2025?

According to Princeton’s official standardized testing policy, the school is test-optional for the 2025 application cycle. You can apply without taking the SAT or ACT and still be fully considered.

Beginning with the 2025 application cycle, the ACT Science section will also be optional. This means that if you choose to submit ACT scores, you may omit the Science section.

Princeton’s admissions team has clarified that choosing not to send test scores will not hurt your chances. They review every application holistically, which means they look at everything, including your transcript, course rigor, essays, activities, and recommendations.

What does this testing policy mean for you? If testing is not your strength or you just could not sit for an exam, you can still be a strong applicant. Still, strong test scores can support your academic profile and give admissions more data to consider.

No minimum score

There is no minimum SAT or ACT score you need to apply. If you send scores, they are reviewed in context, meaning Princeton considers your complete academic environment, the classes offered at your school, and the opportunities you’ve had.

This is good news. If your test scores are average, your grades, essays, and activities can still carry much weight. And if you send a high score, it can be a plus. Either way, your application will be reviewed as a whole.

How Princeton handles test scores

If you decide to submit scores, Princeton accepts both the SAT and ACT. You get some flexibility too. You can use Score Choice for the SAT, meaning you only send the scores you want. For the ACT, they’ll consider just your highest composite score, which is even better if you’ve taken it more than once. Still, they recommend sending all your scores so they can see your full testing history.

Princeton does not superscore between paper and digital SATs. If you’ve taken both formats, pick one version to send. Superscoring only works if all your scores come from the same test type.

If you’re submitting your test scores, use the following submission codes:

• SAT: 2672
• ACT: 2588

Here’s a quick overview to help you keep things straight:

The bottom line is that if your scores are strong, send them in. If not, no worries, Princeton won’t hold it against you. They’ll look at the whole picture of your application. 

Testing deadlines

If you choose to send test scores, make sure you meet Princeton’s deadlines:

• Single-Choice Early Action: Take the SAT or ACT by October
• Regular Decision: Take the SAT by December or the ACT by December
• Transfer Applicants: Take the SAT by March or the ACT by February

Be sure to request that scores be sent directly from the testing agency.

Princeton SAT Requirements

Even though Princeton is test-optional, admitted students still have some of the highest SAT scores in the country. If you decide to submit yours, therefore, make sure it’s competitive with other successful applicants.

Here’s a look at the SAT scores of admitted students based on Princeton’s most recent Common Data Set:

Here’s the breakdown for the individual sections of the SAT:

The composite score range for admitted Princeton students falls between 1500 and 1560, with a median score of 1530. If you’re aiming for Princeton, you should be ready to meet some of the highest SAT score standards in the country. Even at the 25th percentile, a 1500 total SAT score places you in the 99th percentile nationally.

SAT section scores for Princeton

Math is a standout section at Princeton, with scores ranging from 770 at the 25th percentile to a perfect 800 at the 75th. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section also reflects high performance, with scores between 740 and 780.

These ranges indicate that admitted students typically perform at the very top in both quantitative and verbal sections. Which makes sense, as Princeton not only offers a strong liberal arts curriculum but is also a powerhouse in STEM.

SAT tips for Princeton

To make your application stand out at Princeton, you should aim for a composite SAT score of 1560 or higher. That score puts you near the top of the applicant pool and improves your chances, especially if you apply to one of Princeton’s most competitive programs.

What if you only scored a 1500? You have options.

You could retake the test and aim for a higher score, while taking advantage of Princeton’s SAT superscoring policy. Just keep in mind that Princeton only superscores the SAT when all scores come from the same test format. If you’ve taken both the paper and digital SAT, choose one format and submit only those scores.

Or, since Princeton is test-optional, you might choose to focus your energy on other parts of your application—crafting powerful essays, highlighting unique experiences, and showcasing strong extracurriculars.

Your extracurriculars can make a big difference. Achievements like being a Regeneron STS Finalist, winning a National Speech and Debate Tournament, or leading a FIRST Robotics team to a National Championship demonstrate leadership, skill, and passion that Princeton values. Combining these standout activities with a well-written, personal essay will help you rise above the competition.

In short, aim for a total SAT score of 1540 to 1560, with a Math score close to 800 and an Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score around 780. But remember, Princeton wants to know what drives you, not just how well you test.

Princeton ACT Requirements

Since Princeton is test-optional, you don’t have to submit ACT scores, but if you do, they should be high to keep your application competitive with other admitted students.

Here’s a look at the ACT scores of admitted students from Princeton’s most recent Common Data Set:

Here is the breakdown for the individual ACT sections:

Princeton’s ACT score data for admitted students is exceptionally strong, reflecting the university’s highly competitive applicant pool. The 25th percentile composite score is 34, with the 50th and 75th percentiles both at 35. This means that most admitted students score near-perfect on the ACT, and even the lower end of the range is still well above national averages.

ACT section scores for Princeton

In terms of section scores, English and Reading are standout areas: the 25th percentile in English is 35, rising to a perfect 36 at the 75th percentile, while Reading ranges from 34 to 36.

Math and Science have slightly more range—Math scores span from 32 to 36, and Science from 33 to 36—suggesting that there is a bit more flexibility in those areas, especially for students who shine in verbal sections.

ACT tips for Princeton

Aiming for a composite score of 35 or higher is important to stay within Princeton’s typical range.

If your score falls below that, you’ll need to weigh whether it adds strength to your application or not. Since Princeton uses only your highest ACT composite score and does not superscore by section, improving your overall score through retesting can be worthwhile.

That said, if you’re stronger in one area (like English or Reading) but a bit lower in another (like Math), a high composite score can still help balance things out.

Beginning with the 2025 application cycle, the ACT Science section will become optional. This change could benefit applicants who are less confident in that section, allowing them to focus on their stronger areas. However, for students interested in STEM fields, a high Science score may still be advantageous and worth submitting.

Finally, it’s important to remember that Princeton remains test-optional. If your ACT score is below the 25th percentile or doesn’t reflect your academic abilities, you can choose not to submit it.

In that case, you should focus on strengthening other aspects of your application—compelling personal essays, unique experiences, academic rigor, and strong extracurriculars can all speak volumes. At a school like Princeton, test scores can help, but they’re only one piece of a much larger picture.

How to Ace the SAT/ACT for Princeton Admission

Princeton is test-optional, so you do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. But if you decide to send your scores, submitting strong results can boost your chances and make your application stand out.

If you want to shine with your test scores, here is a simple game plan to get you ready and confident for test day:

1. Start with official practice tests.

Your first step should be taking full-length practice tests from the official SAT or ACT sources. These tests come straight from the test makers, giving you the best idea of what to expect. Time yourself as if it were the real test day and avoid distractions. 

After you finish, go over every mistake carefully. Are you missing questions because of timing, confusing wording, or gaps in knowledge? Understanding why you got questions wrong helps you improve faster.

2. Use free prep resources online.

You do not have to spend tons of money on test prep. Websites like Khan Academy for the SAT and free ACT prep channels on YouTube offer videos, practice problems, and complete tests at no cost. Try mixing different resources to keep practice fresh and interesting. 

For example, use Khan Academy for personalized SAT practice and follow ACT experts online for tips and tricks. This variety helps you cover all the bases and keeps you motivated.

3. Focus on your weak spots.

If you want to get into Princeton, do not overlook your weak areas, especially in Math and Science for the ACT or Math and Reading for the SAT. The 25th percentile for these sections is already very high, so even small mistakes can lower your score below what Princeton typically expects. 

Find exactly where you struggle with algebra, geometry, data analysis, or reading comprehension and create a study plan that targets those topics regularly. Timed practice sets can build your skills and confidence step by step.

4. Practice under timed conditions.

Knowing the test format and timing is a huge part of doing well. Practicing complete sections without stopping or skipping helps you build stamina and pace yourself better. Here’s a quick breakdown of the SAT and ACT timing so you know what to expect:

The full SAT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes and is split into two main sections:

You have about 1 minute and 11 seconds per question in Reading and Writing, and around 1 and 35 seconds per question in Math.

The whole ACT (without the optional writing) takes about 2 hours and 55 minutes:

You get 36 seconds per question in English, 1 minute in Math, and about 52 seconds in both Reading and Science.

5. Ask for help when needed.

If your scores plateau or you feel stuck, consider getting a tutor or joining a prep course. Since Princeton values high test scores, personalized guidance can make a big difference. Tutors help you focus on the right skills, stay on track, and learn the best strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Princeton University test-optional in 2025?

You can apply to Princeton in 2025 without submitting SAT or ACT scores. Princeton is test-optional this year, so your application will still get full consideration even if you do not send scores. This means you can focus on other application parts, like essays and activities, without worrying about tests.

2. Does Princeton require all SAT or ACT scores?

No, Princeton does not require you to send every SAT or ACT score you have. For the SAT, you get to choose which scores to send with Score Choice, and for the ACT, they only consider your highest composite score. This gives you some control over which results represent you best.

3. What are the typical ACT and SAT scores for Princeton University?

To compete at Princeton, you want to aim for high scores. The typical admitted student’s SAT scores range from about 1500 to 1560; for the ACT, a composite score of 34 to 35 is common. If you hit those ranges or higher, you will be in a stronger position than most applicants.

Takeaways

• Since Princeton is test-optional in 2025, you can apply without sending SAT or ACT scores and still have a fair shot.
• If you send scores, aim for top numbers, like 1560 on the SAT or 35 on the ACT, to boost your chances.
• Don’t stress if testing isn’t your strong suit because Princeton looks at your whole application, including your essays and activities.
• Practicing under real test conditions and focusing on your weak spots can help you score higher if you decide to submit your test results.
• To boost your chances at Princeton, teaming up with a college admissions expert can guide you through test-optional rules and help you craft a standout application.