# FAQs

**Source**: https://admission.princeton.edu/faqs
**Parent**: https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/application-checklist

Cost & Aid

Early Action

Academic Preparation

Application Process

Graded Written Paper

Testing

Optional Arts Supplement

International Students

QuestBridge

Visiting Campus

Undocumented/DACA Students

Military and Nontraditional

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

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.

Am I at a disadvantage if I didn’t receive a high school diploma, either because I didn’t complete high school or received an alternative (e.g. GED)?

No. Students have enrolled at Princeton without completion of traditional high school programs. The most important factors for academic review include strong recent academic success, such as rigorous college coursework aligned with your intended areas of study, and the courses taught for credit at Princeton.

Am I considered a domestic or international applicant in your admissions process?

Citizenship has no impact on our determination of an applicant’s status as either domestic or international. Students are considered domestic applicants if they are attending a secondary school in the United States; likewise, students attending a secondary school abroad are considered international applicants. The Office of Admission does not evaluate or advantage applicants differently based on their status as either domestic or international students.

Am I encouraged to reveal my undocumented or DACA status in an essay?

We encourage all students to create an application that will help us contextualize their achievements in and out of the classroom. Some students feel that certain aspects of their identity can best illustrate this context and dedicate their essays accordingly. Ultimately, it is up to each student to determine how to best represent themselves in their applications. We encourage students to write on any topic, and per office policy, we do not make individual recommendations.

Are applications from non-U.S. citizens treated differently in the admission process?

No. We consider all applications in the same way, regardless of citizenship or high school location. We also make no distinctions between international and domestic students when considering financial need.

Are international students eligible for application fee waivers?

Yes. International students are eligible for application fee waivers. You may request a fee waiver if you are from a lower-income background, or if the application fee is a hardship for your family, and you are applying for financial aid. Please note that applying for a fee waiver will not disadvantage your application in any way. You can learn more about fee waivers on the [Application Checklist.](https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/application-checklist)

Are international students eligible for financial aid?

Yes. Our policy of meeting financial need in full for admitted students applies to all admitted students, regardless of citizenship.

Are minimum grade-point averages, class ranks, or test scores required for admission?

No. We consider all of these measures, but only within the context of each applicant’s school and situation. In general, our most promising candidates tend to earn high grades and have comparatively high scores on standardized tests. These criteria, while important, do not by themselves provide a complete picture of each student’s academic accomplishment or potential. We evaluate all aspects of a student’s academic preparation.

Are my chances of admission enhanced by submitting application materials before other applications?

No. Though we encourage regular decision applicants to submit their portion of the application by Dec. 15, if possible, there is no advantage to doing so.

Are my chances of admission enhanced if a relative has attended Princeton?

While the application process is the same for all candidates, in recognition of the special bond that Princeton has with its alumni, having a mother, father, stepmother or stepfather who attended Princeton can act as a plus factor amongst similarly qualified applicants in our holistic review process.