Princeton eliminated Early applications this year...again. So, what? When Princeton announced it’s switch to test-optional for this upcoming application cycle, we weren’t surprised. They were the last of the Ivies (and a number of other schools) to announce, and we thought it was pretty likely that they’d follow suit. In a less expected twist, though, they also included in their announcement that they were switching to one (Regular) application deadline/cycle, thus eliminating their Single Choice Early Action option that they’ve had (on and off) for the last couple of decades.
In light of this change, we thought we’d take you through what the last ~45 years have looked like for Princeton and early deadlines. It’s been a rollercoaster, and it’s worth investigating because this recent shift might have long-term implications. As they say, look back to see what’s ahead. (Do they say that? You know what we mean.)
The Timeline
1977: Princeton introduces Early Action (EA) (non-binding) application program.
1996: Princeton ends Early Action and introduces Early Decision (ED) (binding) program.
2006: Princeton gets rid of Early Decision program, eliminates any early application option, and streamlines their application deadline to one Regular Decision (RD) option.
2011: Princeton reinstates Single Choice Early Action (SCEA) (non-binding) program.
2020: Princeton eliminates Early Action -- switching back to one Regular Decision application deadline -- and eliminates ACT/SAT requirement (test-optional) for the 2020-2021 application cycle in light of COVID-19.
Why all of the changes?
In reading many of the statements released regarding their decisions about early programs, Princeton has historically seemed concerned that the early action/decision programs “advantages the advantaged.” The elimination of their early programs has been rooted in an attempt to promote diversity and fairness amongst applicants and Princeton classes. We don’t *really* buy that in its entirety. We think that might be a part of it, sure, but also, eliminating perceived barriers tends to increase application numbers and yield rates while decreasing admit rates, which help schools climb in the rankings (and Princeton has surpassed Harvard in the past 10 years).
Looking at the data, while one might think that the reinstatement of early programs resulted in decreases in application numbers, in reality the results of application numbers and admit rates are varied and dependent on the type of early program. See below.
Total Application Numbers by Notable Years
2004:
ED: ED: 1,818 applied (581 admitted) -- 32% admit rate
RD: 11,547 applied (1,152 admitted) -- 9.98% admit rate
Total: 13,365 applications
2005:
ED: 2039 applied (593 admitted) -- 29% admit rate
RD: 14,471 applied (1,214 admitted) -- 8.4% admit rate
Total: 16,510 applications
2006 (switch from ED → RD):
RD: 17,564 applied (1,790 admitted) -- 10.2% admit rate
Takeaway: Application numbers and admit rates went up after eliminating their Early Decision program.
2009 (RD):
RD: 21,963 applied (2,209 admitted) -- 10.1% admit rate
2010 (RD):
RD: 26,247 applied (2,311 admitted) -- 8.8% admit rate
2011 (switch from RD → SCEA):
SCEA: 3,443 applied (726 admitted) -- 21% admit rate
RD: 23,746 applied (1,574 admitted) -- 6.6% admit rate
Total: 27,189 applications
Takeaway: Application numbers went up and admit rates went down after introducing Single Choice early action program, a less-restrictive early program structure.
2018: (SCEA)
SCEA: 5,335 applied (743 admitted) -- 13.9% admit rate
RD: 30,035 applied (1,197 admitted) -- 3.99 admit rate
2019 (SCEA):
SCEA: 3,850 applied (791 admitted) -- 20.5% admit rate
RD: 28,954 (1,104 admitted) -- 3.8% acceptance rate
Total: 32,804
2020 (switch from SCEA → RD): RD: ??
Takeaway: We predict this number is going to go up given the elimination of both the early deadline and testing requirements. But, it very well might not, given that students are reconsidering how and when they want to experience college.
It’s also important to note that the switch from early action to regular decision alone is not responsible for the increase in applications. All colleges have gotten more popular and it’s easier than ever to apply to college. But we do think that Princeton consistently switching their policy in and of itself may contribute to an increase in applications because potential applicants believe they have a better chance.
So what does this mean for me and my application?
Let’s bring it down 50,000 feet for you. This upcoming year is going to be a big, bizarre year for applications. It will be rich with data. Unfortunately, we can’t entirely predict how it will all turn out.
In terms of you, right now, all signs point to application numbers increasing given not just one but two perceived barrier eliminations. Princeton is not only removing their early application option, which admit rates suggest is the best route to go if Princeton is your top choice (admit rates are significantly higher during early rounds--see above!), but they are also removing their testing requirement. This combination of later application dates PLUS removing the SAT/ACT submission requirement is going to make students think that they have a higher chance of being admitted to highly competitive schools like Princeton.
What we do know is that the competition is going to be intense this year. Certainly as much as it always is, plus the added mystery factor of how schools are going to evaluate student performance in the time of COVID-19. While we hate to say this because we know that many students have been caring for their mental or physical health (or that of their loved ones), schools *are* going to be looking at how you spent this time. It’s important to continue to expand your interests and communicate to schools how you used your remote learning time and free time effectively.
It’s certainly going to be different this year, but the importance of your essay, supplemental essays, and graded writing sample remain paramount. These are going to be crucial parts of your application that are now given even more weight (in the absence of testing data), amongst stiffer and more bountiful competition (in the absence of the option to be evaluated in a smaller pool through Single Choice Early Action).
Stay tuned for our updated Princeton supplement guide, but familiarize yourself with last year’s in the meantime. Spend meaningful time this summer completing the above components, because who knows what the fall will look like. It may bring a new set of changes and circumstances, and we’d encourage you to eliminate future stress by completing the most important components of your application now.
Let us know if you need additional guidance or advice -- that’s why we’re here.