Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to submit a pre-application? Do you pre-screen applicants?

No, you do not need to submit a pre-application. We do not pre-screen or pre-evaluate applicants.

Can I start in the spring term? Can I attend part-time, evenings, weekends, or summers?

No, admission to Princeton is for fall only and is full-time. Princeton does not offer evening, weekend, or summer courses.

Can I transfer credits from another school to Princeton toward receipt of my Ph.D.?

No. All work for the Ph.D. must be done as a Princeton student. 

Do I have to have a master's degree to apply to the Ph.D. program?

No. Most of our applicants come directly from a bachelor's degree program.

If I apply for the Ph.D. program and am not accepted, will you still consider me for the master's program?

No. We will only consider you for the degree track to which you have applied. 

I applied last year and was not accepted. I want to reapply. What do I need to do?

Applicants who applied the previous year may reapply the following year. 

What should be in the personal statement?

The statement should not exceed 1,000 words and should describe your academic and career plans as they relate to the department, and specifically to the area(s) of computer science you are interested in studying.

When will I know your decision?

We make our final decisions in mid-February. Admits will be notified by email from the department by the end of February. All other applicants will be notified by the Graduate School by mid-March.

Who can I contact if I have specific questions?

Contact our graduate coordinators at gradinfo@cs.princeton.edu.