Princeton University SAT & ACT Scores

Princeton paused its testing requirement in 2020 because of the pandemic and later extended the pause. For the 2026–27 cycle, students who apply without an SAT or ACT score will not be at a disadvantage. Starting with the 2027–28 cycle, first-year and transfer applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores. Princeton made that decision after reviewing five years of test-optional data, which found stronger academic performance at Princeton among students who chose to submit scores. There are no minimum score requirements, and active military personnel will not be required to submit scores. If you send scores now, they must come directly from the testing agency. Princeton allows SAT Score Choice, uses only your highest ACT composite, and does not combine scores from the paper and digital SAT.

Among students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent the SAT, the middle 50% scored 740–780 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 770–800 on Math. The section medians were 760 and 790. A quarter scored at or below the low end of each range, and a quarter scored above the high end. Princeton's federal report gives section scores only, so there is no combined SAT range here.

56% of that class sent SAT scores and 21% sent the ACT. Princeton was test-optional when these students applied, so the ranges describe only the students who chose to report a score, not the whole class.

If you are applying for fall 2027 and your section scores are at or above 760 and 790, they fit the upper half of enrolled students who reported the SAT. If you will apply for fall 2028 or later, you will need a score, so plan your testing now. Score Choice works only within one format; Princeton does not combine paper and digital SAT results.

Students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent the ACT had a middle 50% composite of 34–35, with a median of 35. Their section ranges were 35–36 in English and 32–36 in Math. 21% of the class reported the ACT.

Princeton does not superscore the ACT; it accepts only your highest composite. It takes both the older four-section ACT and the newer version with optional Science and has no preference between them. A single-sitting composite at or above 35 is in the upper half of enrolled students who reported the ACT.

Princeton University offers single-choice early action, which is nonbinding but means you may not apply early to another private U.S. college, and regular decision. It does not offer Early Decision. If you test, Princeton suggests the October date for early action and the December date for regular decision.

If you plan to send scores for fall 2027, a practical target for Princeton University is SAT section scores at or above 760 in Reading and Writing and 790 in Math, or an ACT composite at or above 35. Scores near the top of 740–780, 770–800 or 34–35 make the strongest case. Applicants for fall 2028 and later should plan to test either way.

Princeton calls standardized testing one element of a comprehensive, holistic review, and it considers everything in your application in your individual context. Applying without scores in the 2026–27 cycle will not put you at a disadvantage. Princeton recommends self-reporting all of your AP or IB scores if you have them.