Princeton University has announced that it will require all undergraduate applicants to submit an English essay as part of their application. The essay will be used to assess applicants’ writing skills, critical thinking abilities, and overall academic preparedness.
Why is Princeton Requiring an English Essay?
Princeton’s decision to require an English essay is part of a broader effort to ensure that all students who are admitted to the university have the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in its rigorous academic environment. The essay will allow Princeton to assess applicants’ ability to:
- Communicate clearly and effectively in writing
- Analyze and interpret complex texts
- Develop and support arguments
- Organize and present information in a logical and coherent manner
What Should Applicants Write About?
Princeton has not specified what topic applicants should write about in their essays. However, the university does provide some general guidance on what it is looking for in an essay. The essay should be:
- Well-written and grammatically correct. The essay should be free of errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. It should also be well-organized and easy to read.
- Thoughtful and insightful. The essay should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to think critically about a topic and to develop and support an argument. It should also show the applicant’s ability to write in a clear and concise manner.
- Personal and reflective. The essay should give the reader a sense of who the applicant is and what he or she is passionate about. It should also reflect the applicant’s values and beliefs.
How Long Should the Essay Be?
Princeton has not specified a minimum or maximum length for the essay. However, the university does recommend that applicants aim for an essay that is about 500 words long.
When is the Essay Due?
The essay is due on January 1st for regular decision applicants and November 1st for early action applicants.
Tips for Writing a Successful Princeton Essay
Here are some tips for writing a successful Princeton essay:
- Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your essay. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm ideas, develop your argument, and write and revise your essay.
- Choose a topic that you are passionate about. The essay will be more engaging and interesting to read if you are writing about something that you are passionate about.
- Do your research. Make sure that you have a solid understanding of the topic you are writing about. Read books, articles, and other relevant materials to get a well-rounded view of the topic.
- Develop a strong argument. The essay should have a clear and concise argument that is supported by evidence. Make sure that your argument is well-reasoned and that you provide evidence to support your claims.
- Organize your essay logically. The essay should be organized in a logical and coherent manner. Use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph and make sure that the paragraphs flow smoothly from one to the next.
- Proofread your essay carefully. Before you submit your essay, proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling. Ask a friend or family member to read your essay and give you feedback.
The essay is an important part of the Princeton application. By following these tips, you can write a strong essay that will help you stand out from the competition.
