Princeton University has offered admission to 785 students for the class of 2020 from a pool of 4,229 early action applicants, the largest number in the past five years This year’s early admission rate was 18.6 percent, down from 19.9 percent last year, with the 4,229 applicants representing a 9.8 percent increase.

In 2013 the early admit rate was 18.5 percent, compared with 18.3 percent in 2012 and 21.1 percent in 2011.

The admitted students represent 33 countries, 46 states and the District of Columbia. Fifty-one percent are women, 49 percent men. Eleven percent are international students. 

Fifty-six percent of the admitted students come from public schools, and 13 percent are the first in their families to attend college. Sixteen percent of the early admits are children of Princeton alumni.

Early action applicants may apply early only to Princeton, and, if admitted, they can wait to decide whether to accept Princeton’s offer until the end of the regular admission process in the spring. Candidates deferred during the early action process will be reconsidered during the regular decision application process. Regular decision candidates had to apply by January 1.

Princeton’s financial aid program ensures that any student who is admitted and needs financial aid can attend. Approximately 60 percent of undergraduate students receive financial aid, with the grants averaging more than $40,000 per year.

“The admitted early candidates are outstanding and we would be delighted to welcome them to Princeton,” Dean of Admission Janet Rapelye said. “The pool was especially strong and deep this year and we had to make some difficult decisions.”