Prepare Your Application

Eligibility for Admission

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School applicants must, before they are enrolled, hold a bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent from an accredited college or university. (Foreign equivalents may in some cases have a normal program length that is shorter or longer than four years. No degree that has a normal program length shorter than three years will be considered equivalent to a bachelor's degree.)

Applicants may submit one application per year only. This one application can be to one department, program, or combined program. The Graduate School will not offer admission to an applicant seeking a second Ph.D. in the same or similar field of study.

Princeton University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran status in any phase of its admission or financial aid programs, or other aspects of its educational programs or activities.

Before Getting Started

Elements of the Application

Graduate admission decisions at Princeton University are made by faculty in the proposed field of study. The Graduate School coordinates the admission process and establishes minimum requirements for admission. Application deadlines and additional requirements vary by degree program.

Deadlines and Fees

The application for fall 2023 admission is now closed.

Review Graduate School application deadlines and information regarding application fees and waivers.

Statement of Academic Purpose

Highlight your future plans, past experience, and goals as part of your Graduate School application.

Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Demonstrate your experience including employment, community service, education, honors, and activities.

Letters of Recommendation

Reinforce your application with recommendations from faculty members and others well acquainted with your work.

Transcripts

Upload a transcript as part of your application that tells the story of your work at other colleges and universities.

Fall Semester Grades

Understand the requirements for reporting your fall semester grades during the application process or after it is submitted.

Required Tests

Submit the test scores required by your degree program, including the GRE and English Language Tests.

Writing Sample

Showcase your writing skills, if required, with a sample aligned with the expectations of your field.

Statement of Financial Resources

Meet the financial expectations for graduate study as a master’s student (specific programs only).

FAQs