How does the Princeton interview process work for undergraduate applicants?
I’m a high school junior starting to look at selective colleges, and I keep seeing people mention Princeton interviews. I’m a little confused about what actually happens and how important the interview is.
I’m trying to understand how the process usually works for undergrad applicants, like who interviews you, when it happens, and what the interview is meant to evaluate.
I’m trying to understand how the process usually works for undergrad applicants, like who interviews you, when it happens, and what the interview is meant to evaluate.
4 hours ago
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Sundial Team
4 hours ago
For Princeton undergraduate applicants, interviews are typically optional and offered based on alumni availability in your area. You usually do not request one separately. After you submit your application, Princeton may contact you if an alumni interviewer is available.
The interviewer is generally a Princeton alum, not an admissions officer. Interviews may be in person or virtual.
The conversation is usually fairly informal. Expect questions about your academic interests, extracurricular involvement, why you are interested in Princeton, and what you enjoy doing outside of school. You may also be asked about a meaningful experience, a challenge, or what you hope to study.
The interview is not usually the most important part of your application. Princeton uses it more as a way to add context and learn a bit about how you think, communicate, and engage in conversation. It can help, but it generally will not make up for a weak application or sink a strong one on its own.
If you are not offered an interview, that does not mean anything negative about your chances. Princeton has limited alumni capacity, so some applicants simply are not assigned one.
The interviewer is generally a Princeton alum, not an admissions officer. Interviews may be in person or virtual.
The conversation is usually fairly informal. Expect questions about your academic interests, extracurricular involvement, why you are interested in Princeton, and what you enjoy doing outside of school. You may also be asked about a meaningful experience, a challenge, or what you hope to study.
The interview is not usually the most important part of your application. Princeton uses it more as a way to add context and learn a bit about how you think, communicate, and engage in conversation. It can help, but it generally will not make up for a weak application or sink a strong one on its own.
If you are not offered an interview, that does not mean anything negative about your chances. Princeton has limited alumni capacity, so some applicants simply are not assigned one.
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