The School of Engineering and Applied Science invites high-achieving, rising college seniors majoring in STEM disciplines to participate in Pathways to Graduate School for Rising College Seniors.
This program breaks down each step of applying to doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in engineering and helps students navigate the process with confidence.
Our Programs
Pathways to Graduate School
A limited number of applicants to this program are chosen to participate. Princeton administrators lead workshops and provide each participant direct feedback on application materials.
Hidden Curriculum
This is an open-access program that covers the same material as Pathways to Graduate School. Princeton administrators provide best practices and answer questions from participants during a series of webinars.
Success rate across cohorts for graduate program applications
Students have been admitted to our cohorts
R1 intuitions where our students have successfully placed
This is the 5th consecutive year of PGS
To find out more about paid summer undergraduate research opportunities use our REU database tool.
Pathways to Graduate School
Applications are currently closed. Please check back in May to apply for the 2026 program.
Applications Open – May 5
Pathways to Graduate School program applications open. Application requirements: Completed application form Unofficial transcript(s) Curriculum Vitae Letter of recommendationApplication Deadline – July 30
Last day to apply and secure your spot.Decisions Released – August 15
Successful applicants are notified and offers sent out.Enrollment – August 21
Confirm your spot and finalize your registration. Applicants are granted access to the course virtual learning platform.Kick-off Session – August
First session of the program, designed to addresses common misconceptions about graduate admissions.
The program starts with a half-day virtual event followed by monthly virtual workshops and feedback sessions throughout the fall. The program provides:
- A better understanding of graduate education through exposure to current graduate students and faculty.
- Resources and ongoing support to successfully navigate the graduate school application process.
The Pathways program seeks candidates with strong potential to contribute to groundbreaking innovations through their future research, teaching, and service to enhance the excellence of the academic communities they will join and to STEM disciplines as a whole.
All are welcome to apply
Applicants will be current or rising college seniors and must be majoring in a STEM discipline. Applicants must be high-achieving with a strong academic record and excellent research and scholarship potential. An unofficial transcript and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member familiar with your work is required.
Application information:
Applications will open in May 2026, and the deadline to be in July 2026.
If you are interested in applying and need assistance, please reach out to Vishi Singh.
Hidden Curriculum Series
The Hidden Curriculum Series is a fully open-access, virtual workshop series inspired by Princeton Engineering’s Pathways to Graduate School program.
Open & Accessible
Join from anywhere, anytime, with no application needed.
Expert-Led
Learn from current staff on how to prepare competitive graduate applications who know the process inside and out.
Supportive & Empowering
Equip yourself with clarity, strategy, and confidence to make your application shine.
Through the Hidden Curriculum, aspiring graduate students gain practical insights, expert guidance, and resources to confidently navigate the graduate school application process, no matter where you are or what stage you’re at. Think of it as your roadmap to demystifying graduate admissions: from crafting standout application materials to understanding what top STEM programs look for.
Sessions will cover various elements of the graduate application process, as:
Overview of the Graduate Application Process
Learn the key stages of applying to graduate school, from researching programs to submitting strong, timely applications.
Letters of Recommendation
Understand how to choose recommenders, what makes a strong letter, and how to request them effectively.
Academic CV Writing
Discover how to craft a compelling CV that highlights your academic achievements, research, and experiences for graduate admissions.
Understanding Funding
Explore how graduate funding works, including fellowships, assistantships, and strategies for securing financial support.
The Interview
Prepare for graduate admissions interviews with tips on what to expect, how to present yourself, and how to ask insightful questions.
Finding Your Research Fit
Learn how to identify your research interests, align with faculty and programs, and position yourself for a strong PhD application.