First-Year Applicants
We are so excited to support your application journey!
Start your application now with:
Domestic Applicants
*A domestic first-year applicant is defined as a US Citizen or Permanent Resident. Applicants with DACA status should apply as a domestic student.
Deadlines: Important Dates to Remember
Principia College offers multiple application paths for domestic first- year applicants. We encourage you to apply early and receive an early response from us on admission and merit scholarship awards.
Plan ahead to have your application materials in before the deadline.
An application submission and transcript must be received to be considered complete. Please contact your admissions counselor or call the Office of Admissions if you have questions or have difficulty submitting any part of your application.
| Application Path: | Apply By: | Decision By: | Enroll By: |
| Early Decision | November 1 | December 1 | March 10 |
| Early Action I | December 1 | January 15 | May 1 |
| Early Action II | January 15 | March 1 | May 1 |
| Regular Decision | March 15 | April 1 | May 1 |
| Regular Decision (Space Available) | June 15 | Rolling | June 30 |
Choosing your path to college
There’s no one right way to apply—that’s why we offer several options to fit your timeline and comfort level. Whether you're ready to commit early or need more time to decide, there’s a path that’s just right for you. Take a look and choose the approach that feels like the best next step on your journey to Principia.
Early Decision
If Principia feels like the right fit, why wait?
Applying Early Decision is a great way to reduce the stress of the college search. You’ll be among the first to hear back (months earlier than if you apply Regular Decision) and gain peace of mind knowing your plans are set.
Early Decision is a commitment: if you're admitted, you agree to enroll at Principia and withdraw any applications you’ve submitted to other colleges. That’s why students typically apply Early Decision to just one school.
If you're ready to take that step, the Early Decision application deadline is November 1. We’d be honored to be your first choice.
Early Action
Want to apply early but keep your options open?
Early Action might be the right path for you. You’ll get an earlier admission decision from Principia but you’re still free to apply to other colleges and take your time deciding what’s best for you.
We offer two rounds of Early Action:
- Apply by December 1 (Early Action I) and hear back by January 15
- Apply by January 15 (Early Action II) and get your decision by March 1
It’s a smart way to stay ahead, without feeling rushed.
Regular Decision
Taking your time? No problem.
If you’re applying Regular Decision, just submit your application by March 15, and you’ll hear back from us by April 1. You’ll have until May 1 to let us know your decision.
We’ll be here when you’re ready.
Regular Decision (space available)
It’s not too late, but space may be limited.
Applications received after March 15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis, as space allows. Once your application is complete, you can typically expect an admission decision within 2 to 4 weeks.
If you're admitted after May 1, you'll have two weeks to reply to our offer. We’ll do our best to make room for you. If Principia feels right, don’t wait!
Required Application Materials
1. Common Application or use the Principia Application
You can apply using the Common Application or by completing the Principia Application directly. If you choose the Common App, just create an account and add Principia College to your list.
2. Transcript
What do we mean by "transcript"?
We are looking for a document that shows the subjects you have studied each year of high school and the grades or marks you earned in each one. This could be called a mark sheet, progress report, grade sheet, or report card.
How can you submit your transcript?
To get started, an unofficial copy of your transcript is enough for us to review your application. You can submit this directly to the Admissions Office.
An official transcript will be required before enrollment. These can be submitted through secure online platforms. Our preferred sources are Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, Scoir, or Encoura.
Your school counselor can also email an official transcript to CollegeAdmissions@principia.edu. If electronic submission is not available, your school may mail an official transcript directly to:
Principia College Admissions Office
1 Maybeck Place
Elsah, IL 62028
All high school transcripts are reviewed to determine your GPA, which helps us make both admission and scholarship decisions.
Optional Application Materials
SAT/ACT Scores
At Principia, we see you as more than a number. Our holistic review process is designed to understand you as a whole person. Your values. Your potential. Your story. Not just your test scores. That’s why submitting SAT or ACT scores is completely optional.
That said, test scores can still play a helpful role, especially when it comes to academic scholarships, where a strong score might qualify you for a higher award.
Wondering whether to submit your scores? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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If your scores reflect your academic ability, go ahead and include them.
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If they don’t, feel free to leave them out. No penalty.
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If you’re proud of your score and it boosts your eligibility for merit aid, submitting it could be a smart move.
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A strong test score can help balance out a lower GPA. That gives us a fuller picture of your academic readiness.
Thinking about submitting test scores?
If you choose to send them, just remember:
Principia requires a minimum SAT score of 1010 or a composite ACT score of 19. We will always consider your best performance. We superscore both the ACT and the SAT to look at your highest possible combination of scores.
Send your best. We will take it from there.
Other Process Steps and What to Expect
Information Session with Your Admissions Counselor
As part of your application journey, you will meet with a member of our Admissions Team if you have not already. This conversation is an important part of our holistic approach. It is a chance for us to learn more about you, and for you to get a better feel for Principia.
We will talk about your interests, your goals, and any questions you have. We will also share more about our campus community and scholarship opportunities.
It is not an interview. It is a conversation. And we are really looking forward to it.
Admission Decision
We know waiting can be tough. Once your application is complete, we will release your admission decision by the date that matches the application path you selected.
You will hear from us as soon as possible. We promise.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Principia offers scholarships to recognize a range of achievements and contributions. You'll automatically be considered for scholarships based on information provided in your admissions application.