Princeton Supplemental Essay Prompts 2026-27 + How to Answer Them
A typical applicant writes six prompts: the two Voice essays, three 50-word More About You answers, and one academic why-us essay set by degree. Every prompt below is quoted from Princeton Admission and verified against it on September 26, 2026.
Application: Common App (Princeton-specific questions). Requirements can change during the cycle; Princeton's application portal is the final word on what to submit.
Choose exactly one, set by your degree program
2 prompts
As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests?
How to answer
Required for A.B. degree applicants or those who are undecided. Name the areas honestly, then tie each to specific Princeton offerings. Undecided is fine; curiosity with direction is not.
Draft this prompt in the essay tool →Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests.
How to answer
Required for B.S.E. degree applicants. Show real exposure to engineering, then connect it to named Princeton programs, labs, or course sequences.
Draft this prompt in the essay tool →Your Voice, required of all applicants
2 prompts
Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you?
How to answer
This is Princeton’s longest prompt, so use lived detail rather than labels. Answer all three questions: what you learned, what classmates will learn from you, and how your experience shaped you.
Draft this prompt in the essay tool →Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals?
How to answer
Tie your own story to service and civic engagement. Princeton wants your reasons for caring, not a tally of volunteer hours.
Draft this prompt in the essay tool →More About You, required of all applicants
3 prompts
What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
How to answer
One concrete skill, one reason. Keep it playful if it is playful.
Draft this prompt in the essay tool →What brings you joy?
How to answer
Small and true works. One vivid sentence can do the whole job.
Draft this prompt in the essay tool →What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?
How to answer
Name the song and spend the remaining words on why it fits right now.
Draft this prompt in the essay tool →Draft your Princeton supplement with feedback on every essay.
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