Princeton admissions:
which test to take and what scores the university publishes

Which Princeton programs require which tests?

This article compares two Princeton University programs: the Master in Finance, offered by the Bendheim Center for Finance, and the economics PhD, offered by the Department of Economics. Each has its own pages; the program page is authoritative. The table summarizes what those pages said on October 15, 2026.

The entry level differs: a specialized finance master’s on one hand and a research doctorate on the other. Both applications go through the university’s admissions office. The Master in Finance asks for scores to be sent to Princeton’s Office of Graduate Admission, and the PhD page directs applicants to the Graduate Admissions Office for GRE and English scores.

GMAT or GRE: does Princeton have a preference?

For the Master in Finance, the FAQ says neither test is required and that submitting neither does not affect your application. It states a preference for the GRE. Still, compare the total cost and test dates actually available to you before booking. The application page repeats that GRE or GMAT scores are accepted but not required. The FAQ says you may take the exam more than once, in which case the program considers your highest score. The article “GMAT or GRE: choosing based on your programs and the format” outlines how to decide when the test is optional.

The application is about more than a test score: the program asks for transcripts showing math courses taken, three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a statement of academic objectives. It also says it pays particular attention to mathematical preparation—that is, university courses, grades, and quantitative test results—and that a common reason for rejection is insufficient math background to benefit from the program.

If you submit a score, use Princeton’s official recipient codes: GRE 2672, GMAT WC1-L5-59. The Master in Finance recommends taking tests by November 1 and warns that scores from tests taken after December 1 may not arrive in time. The Graduate School recommends sending scores at least three weeks before the deadline and then checking receipt in your application. Score receipt and matching may take up to two weeks plus seven days; the MFin page retains a different estimate of four to six weeks.

For the economics PhD, the 2027 GRE table and official program page confirm that the GRE General is required. The Graduate School says the GMAT replaces the GRE only for finance. Scores must be valid and unexpired; since the 2026 intake, a score that expired before applications opened is not accepted, even if it was sent earlier. Follow these current instructions rather than the department FAQ’s older reference to a paper test.

Which English test, and what is the minimum?

The Graduate School accepts TOEFL iBT taken at a test center or at home, IELTS Academic, and DET, with no general admissions minimum. Waivers apply to applicants whose primary language is English, who completed an undergraduate degree taught entirely in English with institutional certification before enrollment, or who completed at least two full-time academic years of graduate study entirely in English before applications opened.

A discrepancy remains: the MFin page mentions one year of graduate study in English, compared with two years in the central rule. The PhD FAQ lists only TOEFL and IELTS, while the Graduate School also accepts the DET. If your waiver or test choice depends on these differences, confirm with admissions before booking.

Post-admission placement is separate: the current rule requires an assessment on arrival if TOEFL Speaking is below 5.5 out of 6, IELTS Speaking below 8, or DET Conversation below 125. The MFin FAQ retains the TOEFL Speaking benchmark of 27 from the old section scale. These are not admissions minimums.

For TOEFL, the Graduate School accepts score reports on both the old and new scales but does not accept MyBest; it says it reviews the best section scores among official reports received. English test results are valid for two years and must meet its validity window when applications open. A copy or self-reported score does not replace official score delivery.

What scores does Princeton publish?

This table reports figures from the pages reviewed and their scope; a blank entry does not establish that no information is published elsewhere. The Master in Finance FAQ gives two figures for its “incoming classes,” without identifying the classes or period: a GRE Quant median of 167 and a GMAT Quant average of 49.5, which the school writes as “or 95%.” It does not explain what 95% means or identify the GMAT edition; preserve the published wording and do not compare these figures with scores from another edition.

The announcement for the incoming class of 2026 gives its size: 40 students from 14 countries for 2026–2027, according to the program announcement, which gives no scores. The department says it receives about 800 applications per year for a class of 20 to 25 students; no GRE score was found on the pages reviewed.

What are the deadlines, and what happens after the test?

For fall 2027 entry, the Master in Finance deadline is December 15, 2026, and the economics PhD deadline is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The MFin recommendation to take tests by November 1 leaves time to prepare as of October 15. PhD decisions are announced in early March.

TOEFL results are available about three days after the test according to the ETS Bulletin, but this does not include delivery and matching by Princeton. Up to four score reports are included if you select recipients by 10 p.m. the day before the test; additional reports cost extra. Use the official reporting process, then verify receipt in your application well before the deadline.