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US holisticUnited States · Bachelor’sResearched 0d ago

Psychology

Princeton University
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Overview
Princeton admits undergraduates holistically to the University, not directly to Psychology. Psychology is declared after enrollment and prerequisite coursework, so this program does not use a separate portfolio-based or major-specific selection process.

Admission criteria

PortfolioLow

Not used for Psychology admission. Princeton only offers an optional arts supplement for applicants with significant work in arts fields, not as a Psychology requirement.

Bar to clear: Not used by this program

Statement of PurposeMedium

Princeton uses its required essays and short answers to assess the applicant’s voice, motivation, context, and potential contribution to the community. For Psychology, there is no separate departmental essay.

Bar to clear: Strong, original Princeton essays and short answers

Academics & GPAHigh

This is the main driver: Princeton says it looks for students who can thrive in its rigorous academic environment and evaluates grades and course rigor in context. Psychology also requires strong preparation and later prerequisite coursework to declare the major.

Bar to clear: Mostly top grades in the most rigorous courses available

Test scoresLow

Princeton is test-optional for the 2026-27 cycle; submitted SAT/ACT scores are considered but there is no minimum. For Psychology there is no separate subject-test requirement.

Bar to clear: No minimum; SAT/ACT optional for 2026-27

Application components

Statement of PurposeAcademics & GPATest scores
How to stand out
Take the most rigorous curriculum your school offers and keep grades consistently strong.
Write essays that are specific to Princeton and clearly show your academic interests and voice.
If you submit SAT/ACT, send your strongest result; there is no Psychology-specific test requirement.
If you are already in Princeton and aiming for Psychology, complete the prerequisite courses early and maintain strong grades in them.

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