CAMPUS · PRINCETON, NJ · PRIVATE

Princeton University

4.5%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

How Much Do APs Matter at Princeton University?

AP Impact Score: 50/100

APs are considered but not decisive at Princeton University. Focus on GPA and overall application strength.

What Princeton University Values in Admissions (CDS Data)

From the Common Data Set — what Princeton University officially says matters in admission decisions.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Important
Standardized Test Scores	Important
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation	Very Important
Extracurricular Activities	Very Important
Talent Ability	Very Important
Character Personal Qualities	Very Important
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Considered
Interview	Important
Work Experience	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered

Best AP Classes to Take for Princeton University

Based on Princeton University's most popular majors and admission priorities, these AP courses are most valuable:

For Social Sciences (20% of students)

AP U.S. History
AP Government
AP Economics (Macro/Micro)

For Engineering (16% of students)

AP Calculus BC
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: E&M
AP Chemistry

For Computer Science (16% of students)

AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Calculus BC

For Biological Sciences (9% of students)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Statistics

AP Strategy for Princeton University Applicants

Take as many APs as you can handle well

At a school this selective, 7-12 AP courses is typical for admitted students. Quality matters more than quantity.

Score high for credit

Most colleges require a 4 or 5 to grant credit. AP credits can save you a semester of tuition — that's $15,000-$30,000 in real savings.

Match APs to your intended major

Admissions officers notice when your AP choices align with your stated interests.

Princeton University AP Credit FAQs

Does Princeton University accept AP credit?

Yes — Princeton University grants college credit for qualifying AP exam scores. Given Princeton University's 4.5% acceptance rate, its AP credit policy is restrictive: expect scores of 4 or 5 — and 5s only in many subjects to earn credit. Specific cutoffs vary by department — check Princeton University's registrar for the official table.

What AP score does Princeton University require for credit?

At Princeton University, most departments require scores of 4 or 5 — and 5s only in many subjects for credit. STEM subjects (Calculus BC, Physics C, Chemistry, Biology) tend to require the highest scores; humanities subjects are sometimes more lenient. Languages and AP Statistics are usually accepted at 3+.

How many AP credits can I transfer to Princeton University?

Princeton University typically caps total AP credit at 16-24 (capped well below one year). Even if you score 5 on 10 APs, the credit policy will limit how much actually counts toward your degree — though high scores still help with course placement and GE exemptions.

Do AP courses help me get into Princeton University?

Yes — AP courses improve your application by signaling academic rigor. Princeton University's admissions evaluates 'rigor of secondary school record' as a factor. AP scores themselves are usually not required for admission, but scores of 4-5 strengthen the application alongside transcript rigor.

More About Princeton University

Princeton University Acceptance Rate Princeton University Tuition & Cost Transfer to Princeton University Princeton University Salary & ROI Princeton University AP Credit Best Majors at Princeton University Princeton University Housing International at Princeton University

Other Colleges in NJ

Rutgers University

65.3% accept · New Brunswick

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Princeton University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.