Wondering what the 2021-2022 Princeton University essay prompts will be? Well, wonder no more as the New Jersey-based institution has released the questions for this upcoming admissions cycle. As our regular readers know, Princeton did not offer an Early Action program last year due to the pandemic. They were the lone Ivy League institution to cancel their Early program for 2020-2021 and, as such, Princeton, while it received a record number of applications, did not experience quite as big of an increase as some of its Ivy League peer institutions. But that was last year. This is this year. And Early Action is back at Princeton for 2021-2022. So with two rounds of admissions for this upcoming admissions cycle, what sorts of essay prompts will applicants be asked to complete?

The first prompt is for A.B. applicants (non-engineering applicants): “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?” Applicants are asked to respond in about 250 words.

Alternatively, B.S.E. applicants are asked, “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.” Applicants are asked to respond in about 250 words.

All applicants are then asked, “Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you.” Applicants are asked to respond in about 150 words.

Thought you’d be done by now? Not quite! All applicants are then asked to respond to each of the following two prompts in about 250 words: (1) “At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future?” (2) “Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals.”

And as they say in infomercials, but wait there’s more! All applicants are asked to respond to the following three prompts in 50 words or fewer: (1) What is a new skill you would like to learn in college? (2) What brings you joy? (3) What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

Finally, applicants are required to submit a graded paper.

Have a question about the 2021-2022 Princeton University essay prompts? Let us know your questions about these college essays by posting a comment below. We look forward to hearing from you!