Should I submit my ACT score to Princeton?

For current applicants (applying in Fall 2026 for Fall 2027 entry), Princeton is test-optional, but submitting a strong ACT score (around 33-35) generally helps, as most admitted students have high scores, though scores below that might be better left off unless your application is exceptional otherwise; however, this policy ends with the 2026-27 cycle, requiring tests for 2027-28 onward.

Does Princeton need official ACT scores?

Princeton will require undergraduate applicants to submit SAT or ACT test scores beginning with the 2027–28 admission cycle, the University announced Thursday. The decision will end a seven-year stint of test-optional undergraduate admissions that began during the pandemic.

Is it better to submit ACT scores to colleges?

There is very little reason to submit both SAT and ACT scores to colleges, even if you are also submitting SAT II scores. As our blog article on this topic states, while in the past it was true that selective colleges preferred the SAT to the ACT, this hasn't been true for a long time.

Is a 34 ACT good for Princeton?

Hello! Princeton, being a highly selective institution, generally admits students with high ACT scores. The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students at Princeton is typically between 34 and 35.

Should I submit a 1400 to Princeton?

For the 2026 class, 95.3% of accepted students had an SAT score range between 1400-1600. 96.83% had an ACT composite range between 30-36. Again, there isn't a “hard requirement.” But if you want to be the exception to the rule, your application will need to shine brightly in a different way.

If a School Is Test Optional, Should I Still Submit My Sat/Act Scores?

Did Mark Zuckerberg score 1600 on SAT?

Yes, reports widely state that Mark Zuckerberg scored a perfect 1600 (or sometimes a near-perfect 1590) on his SAT, achieving top marks before attending Harvard University, consistent with his reputation as a gifted student and programmer.
 

Can I get into Princeton with a 1470?

SAT Requirements

Princeton University's SAT scores for admitted students range from 1470 to 1580, with an average score of 1520. Although SAT scores are optional, we recommend that students aim for a good SAT score of at least 1520 to be competitive in the admissions process at Princeton University.

What is a perfect ACT score in 2025?

Because of the 2025 test changes, your ACT composite score will now be an average of your English, Reading, and Math scores on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 36 (highest).

Which ivy has the lowest SAT?

While no Ivy League college publishes a hard cutoff, their admissions profiles tell a consistent story. Students who are admitted usually fall somewhere between 1480 and 1570 on the SAT. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT tend to sit at the higher end; Cornell, Dartmouth, and Brown trend slightly lower.

What was Taylor Swift's SAT score?

Taylor Swift's SAT score is not publicly known because she left high school early to pursue her music career and never officially took the SATs for college admission, though she was academically successful in high school, graduating early with a 4.0 GPA before focusing on music. She famously called out a practice test for misquoting her lyrics, highlighting her strong grasp of grammar despite not needing the test.
 

Do Ivies prefer SAT or ACT?

No matter what you might've heard, Ivy League schools have no preference between the ACT and SAT. You can submit scores from either test or from both of them without worrying that your application will be dinged. Ultimately, choosing between the SAT and the ACT comes down to personal preference.

Is 36 ACT or 1600 SAT better?

A 36 on the ACT is the highest possible score, and it is considered equivalent to a perfect 1600 on the SAT (the highest score possible on the SAT), according to official concordance tables, meaning they are generally viewed as equally exceptional achievements by colleges. While both represent peak performance, the ACT composite is an average of four sections, while the SAT total is the sum of two, but at this top level, they signify the same elite standing, making both scores highly competitive for any university. 

Is Princeton harder than Harvard?

Neither Princeton nor Harvard is definitively "harder"; both are exceptionally competitive, but Harvard is generally harder to get into due to lower acceptance rates (around 3-4%) and more applications, while Princeton is often perceived as academically tougher once you're in, with rigorous courses, potential grade deflation (historically), and a strong undergraduate research focus, though both offer elite education. 

Is 1400 SAT good enough for ivy?

A 1400 SAT score is very good nationally (around the 95th percentile) but is generally considered below the average for admitted students at Ivy League schools, where scores often range from 1480 to 1580. While some students with 1400s get in, it's often because they have exceptional achievements in other areas (athletics, extracurriculars, personal circumstances) that compensate, as Ivy League admissions look at the whole applicant, not just test scores. For strong Ivy League competitiveness, aiming for 1500+ is recommended. 

What are the odds of getting into Princeton?

The acceptance rate at Princeton is 4.6%.

In other words, of 100 students who apply, only 5 are admitted. This means the school is very selective. Scores are vital to getting past their first round of filters. After that, you will need to impress them beyond just your academic scores.

Did Mark Zuckerberg get a 1600 on SAT?

Yes, reports widely state that Mark Zuckerberg scored a perfect 1600 (or sometimes a near-perfect 1590) on his SAT, achieving top marks before attending Harvard University, consistent with his reputation as a gifted student and programmer.
 

What ACT score is top 1%?

The top ACT score is a perfect 36, which places a student in the 99th-100th percentile, meaning they scored better than 99% or 100% of other test-takers, and signifies mastery for first-year college courses. Achieving a 36 is very rare, with only a small fraction of test-takers earning it annually, often requiring near-perfect scores on the English, Math, Reading, and Science sections, though recent changes average English, Reading, and Math for the composite score. 

Is a 33 ACT or 1450 SAT better?

A 33 on the ACT and a 1450 on the SAT are considered roughly equivalent, both falling in a high percentile range, with official concordance tables placing the 33 ACT in the 1450-1480 SAT range, making them essentially equal in college admissions, though individual section scores might favor one test over the other. Neither score is definitively "better," but you should submit the one that better showcases your strengths for your intended major. 

Is Princeton or MIT harder?

Both schools are extremely selective, with acceptance rates around 4–5%. MIT tends to attract more STEM-heavy applicants, while Princeton receives a broader range across humanities and sciences. Neither is “easier” or “harder” to get into—it depends on your profile and fit.

What are the big 3 Ivies?

The "Big Three" of the Ivy League refers to Harvard University, Yale University, and Princeton University, historically considered the dominant forces, especially in college football, though all eight Ivies (including Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Penn) are elite institutions. These three share deep historical roots, dating back to the 1880s when their football rivalry began, and remain top contenders in national rankings for prestige and selectivity.
 

What is the safest Ivy League school?

Brown may offer the happiest campus culture, and Princeton might provide the safest environment, but gaining admission to any Ivy requires exceptional academic credentials, distinctive achievements, and often advantageous circumstances beyond your control.

Does Princeton give 100% scholarships?

Yes, Princeton offers financial aid that effectively acts as a 100% scholarship, covering the full cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, books, expenses) for most families with incomes up to $150,000 through generous grants, and covers full tuition for families up to $250,000, all without requiring loans. Their aid is based on demonstrated need, meeting 100% of it for all admitted students, including international students, making it very affordable for many.
 

Is 1510 good enough for the Ivy League?

A 1510 on the SAT Exam is a great score and puts you among the top students in the country. If you got a 1510, you're in the top 3% of all test-takers. This high score can help you get into many top colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools and other highly ranked ones.

Does Princeton look at class rank?

Does Princeton University Look at Class Rank? Princeton admissions officers do not necessarily look at class rank, as many elite high schools have turned away from calculating rank to cut down on competitiveness within their student bodies.