In 2018, Princeton University, the #1 national university in the 2025 US News & World Report annual college ranking, required applicants to submit a graded written paper with their applications to the Ivy League institution.

And while, in 2025, the graded writing sample is no longer a requirement for admission to the Class of 2030, it remains an option. So should students submit a graded written paper to Princeton?

Princeton’s Graded Written Paper Should Not Be Considered Optional

Princeton’s admissions committee asks applicants on The Common Application, “Do you wish to submit a graded written paper at this time?”

But make no mistake — that which is optional in elite college admissions should never be considered optional. Princeton wants to see graded writing samples of applicants, so it would thus behoove applicants to submit them.

Princeton Graded Written Paper Guidelines

Princeton asks applicants to upload the writing sample directly to The Common Application.

The school advises the following on its admissions website for the graded written paper: “The paper should be writing done for an academic course, preferably an English, social studies or history course, during the last three years of secondary school, including senior year. You may send a paper, essay, research paper or essay exam. We are interested in seeing expository writing only, not creative writing. One to two pages in length is sufficient. The paper should include the course instructor’s grade, and comments if your instructor provided any.”

Princeton Graded Paper Quick Tips

1. Pick a paper you’ve written related to your singular hook — the particular focus of your application oriented around a specific pursuit, discipline, passion, or area of expertise (though it’s not a must).
2. Don’t choose something too long or too short. Admissions officers don’t have all day to read your application (in fact, they typically only spend around 8 minutes per application!), but don’t assume that your 200-word response constitutes a “paper.” If they say one to two pages is sufficient, you’d better believe them!
3. Don’t be afraid to put forward an argument you believe in — just make sure it’s well argued! Princeton admissions officers will reward your ideological diversity.
4. Don’t be afraid to seek out editorial feedback. Might we suggest Ivy Coach’s team of former elite college admissions officers?

Why Princeton Implemented Its Graded Written Paper

In 2018, Princeton included the graded written paper prompt on its application instead of requiring the SAT or ACT essay portion. Of course, like most highly selective universities, Princeton no longer requires the SAT or ACT, much less the writing section of these exams.

In short, Princeton’s admissions committee wanted the chance to see applicants’ academic writing abilities. But the school didn’t wish for The College Board or ACT, Inc. to rake in more money by requiring students to submit an SAT or ACT essay. So, instead, the school established its graded written paper which has been around ever since.