FAQs
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu/faqs?category%5B1006%5D=1006 Parent: https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/graded-written-paper
Cost & Aid
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Academic Preparation
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Graded Written Paper
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Undocumented/DACA Students
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FAQ categories
Academic Preparation
Application Process
Cost & Aid
Early Action
Graded Written Paper
International Students
Military and Nontraditional
Optional Arts Supplement
QuestBridge
Testing
Undocumented/DACA Students
Visiting Campus
Search questions and answers
What is a graded written paper?
A graded written paper refers to a paper written in the last three years of secondary school that was graded by a teacher. For transfer applicants, a graded written paper may come from a course taken within the last two years of schooling.
All my papers are in another language. What should I do?
We ask for a paper written in English because all Princeton courses (with the exception of foreign language courses) are taught in English. If you are unable to provide a graded written paper, we will still review your application, but we will have less information with which to review your file.
Can the graded written paper come from a summer course or a college course outside of school?
The graded written paper should come from a course of instruction that is listed on your academic transcript.
Do you need to see the grade/instructor comments on the same document that is uploaded, or can they be separate?
They may be separate, but please upload them as one document. If using a grading rubric, please include this information along with your paper.
How can I submit my graded written paper?
Option 1: Upload the graded written paper alongside your application materials when submitting the Common Application. We will accept scanned documents.
Option 2: Mail, e-mail, or upload the graded written paper to your applicant portal. We will accept scanned documents.
I graduated last year and don’t have a paper to submit. What should I do?
We encourage you to reach out to your teachers or school counselors to obtain a graded written paper from your last three years of secondary school. If you are unable to provide a graded written paper, we will still review your application, but we will have less information with which to review your file.
I have a number of papers I can submit but none have the actual grade on it. What should I do?
We encourage you to reach out to your teachers or school counselors to obtain a graded written paper from your last three years of secondary school. If the grade or comments are on a separate piece of paper, please attach this to your submission. If there is no grade written on the paper, please speak to your teacher to ask them to attach, or attest to, the original grade.
I initially submitted my paper through turnitin.com. Will this disadvantage me?
No.
What are the graded written paper requirements for an international student?
The graded written paper must have been written in English, not translated from another language into English. More information is available on ourinternational students page.
What if I do not have a paper from an English, social studies or history course?
Though we prefer the paper come from an English, social studies or history course, we understand that course offerings can vary greatly from school to school. Applicants should submit a graded written paper that demonstrates their writing skills.