Updated: Monday, October 13, 2025
Interviews — especially college admissions interviews for top-tier colleges like Princeton — can be stressful. Many students are eager to gain a seat at the university, which historically has low acceptance rates. A strong interview can definitely help applicants stand out for all the right reasons. So, what does it take to ace the Princeton interview and set yourself apart from the pack?
Many high school students have had no experience with interviews prior to the college admissions process. As a result, students typically have questions about how to prepare for a college interview.
Every school has a slightly different interview process. At Princeton, undergraduate admissions interviews are 30-45 minute informal conversations that allow students to ask their alumni interviewer questions and discuss their educational and career goals. These interviews are optional, so applicants who opt out of selection for an interview on their Princeton application won’t be penalized.
However, just because the interview isn’t required doesn’t mean it won’t be worth your time. The interview can be a great opportunity for students to learn more about Princeton from someone with firsthand knowledge.
Princeton cannot guarantee that every applicant will receive an alumni interview. Princeton’s alumni network strives to contact most applicants every year to arrange an interview, but getting an interview will depend on the availability of alumni in your area. Interviews take place after the admissions office has received your application, at which time you should look out for an email from the Princeton Alumni Schools Committee, inviting you for an interview.
After you understand the basics of Princeton’s interview process, the next step is preparing for the questions that may arise during your Princeton interview. The more you prepare and practice your responses ahead of time, the more confident you will feel on the day of the interview. Some common Princeton interview questions and tips for responses include:
One of the most common interview questions is some version of why this college. If you’re asked “Why Princeton” during your Princeton University interview, think of it as your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the school and your interest in attending. Reference specific classes at Princeton you want to take and professors you’re eager to study with to make it clear that you’ve done your research. If you’ve had a chance to go on campus as part of your college visits, highlight any aspects of the campus or community that really stood out to you.
Strengthen your answers by mentioning specific on-campus events, research opportunities, or internship interests. And whatever you do, avoid citing a superficial reason for wanting to attend Princeton, like saying that you want to go because you have friends on campus or simply because it’s part of the Ivy League. Your interviewer will expect more thoughtful and in-depth answers.
You should also prepare to respond to questions about what you’re doing outside of the classroom. Given how important extracurriculars are for college, it’s a topic that is likely to be raised during every interview. The best answer focuses on the extracurricular that is most significant to you.
To take it to the next level, reference summer experiences or internships that you’ve participated in to deepen your expertise. Don’t forget to mention how you would continue these activities while at Princeton.
Princeton interview questions will gravitate toward academic commitments and interests. Before your interview, you should reflect on why you’re interested in studying the major you’re interested in and how that major might connect to your future career goals. Whenever possible, try to weave in examples and anecdotes that demonstrate your interest in the subject and what you’ve done to deepen that interest.
This question is another great opportunity to showcase your research skills by mentioning faculty in the major that you’re really interested in studying with or on-campus opportunities that directly relate to your major of interest.
Put a lot of thought into this question before your Princeton alumni interview. Focus less on choosing an achievement that you think “sounds” impressive and more on choosing an experience that genuinely made you proud.
That could be acing a test in a subject that really challenges you, launching your own fundraiser for a cause you care about, or getting your writing published in the local newspaper. Whatever you choose, aim to connect your achievement back to your future goals and to the reasons you’re interested in attending Princeton University in the first place.
Practicing and preparing for college interviews is one of the best things students can do to set themselves up for success. We have a few other general pointers for you to keep in mind for the Princeton interview:
Princeton interviews are meant to be informal and informational, so try to approach it more like you’re having a conversation with an older peer or mentor. Instead of merely responding to what your interviewer asks, think of some questions you would like to pose to them as well. Not only will this demonstrate your interest in the school, but it will also help the discussion flow more freely and feel more natural.
Of course you want to stand out in an interview setting. But how can you set yourself apart? Brainstorm some unique experiences, facts about yourself, and qualities that you want your interviewer to know, and try to work these into your conversation. We all have differences that make us unique, so take the time to identify yours and draw attention to them in a positive way.
It’s important to well versed in proper interview etiquette before you schedule your conversation with an alum. Don’t forget to thank your interviewer for their time, arrive at your chosen destination a few minutes early, and be friendly throughout your conversation. While there’s no need to dress formally, choose a polished outfit that makes you feel both comfortable and confident.
Don’t be shy about your achievements. Interviews are an excellent opportunity to reference accomplishments you might not have mentioned before. Just work them into the conversation in a way that seems natural and unscripted. Include your achievements in your answers to interview questions when they make sense as a part of your answer.
Knowing how to get into Princeton can help you with the admissions process, including the interview. However, Princeton is a reach school for everyone, so it can be beneficial to have expert guidance that will help you stand out and maximize your chances of admission.
At IvyWise, our college admissions counselors are former deans and directors of admission at some of top schools in the U.S., so they know what it takes to get in. Schedule your complimentary Discovery Call today to learn more.
When most students think of top-tier colleges, Princeton and Harvard are likely some of the first schools to come to mind. Both institutions are members of the Ivy League that have plenty of famous alumni, as well as ample research and learning opportunities.
As a member of the Ivy League and an institution known for its academic rigor and impressive alumni network, it is easy to understand why Princeton University earns a spot on many students’ best-fit lists. Every year, the school receives tens of thousands of applications from high school seniors and current college students interested in transferring.
If Princeton is at the top of your list for best-fit colleges, you know that every component of your application counts. With an acceptance rate of 4.62% for the class of 2028, it’s clear that applicants are going to have to submit their best work to be competitive, and that includes writing compelling supplemental essays.
