Applying to College
Admission Requirements for Stanford University - Complete
Unlocking the Cardinal Code: An Insider's Guide to Stanford Admissions
Jun 22, 2023
Admission Requirements for Stanford
Stanford University sets a stringent bar for prospective students, placing high emphasis on academic excellence and fervor for learning. It requires prospective undergraduates to provide their high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT, and complete the Common Application. The university also appreciates and heavily considers the extracurricular pursuits of applicants, noting that participation in such activities often showcases the ability to manage time effectively, display leadership potential, and indicate a level of commitment and passion towards one's interests. In this article, we will discuss the fundamental parts of a Stanford application, and ways to maximize your chances of admission.
Introduction
Established in 1885, Stanford University is renowned for its rich history and stellar reputation. Stanford has profoundly impacted the world, particularly within the realm of technology, due to its proximity to Silicon Valley. With its groundbreaking research endeavors, the university has propelled advancements across numerous academic fields. Stanford's esteemed faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and spirited campus life attract remarkable students from all corners of the globe, further enhancing its reputation as a premier institution.
Quick Numbers
Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
Test Optional/Blind: Yes
Average SAT Score: 1505
Average ACT Score: 34
Average GPA: 3.9-4.0
Number of Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Two letters of Recommendation, as well as another from your counselor
Common Application Essay/Coalition/Questbridge: Yes
Number of Supplemental Essays: 3
Interview: Yes
Early Decision/Early Action: Stanford offers a non binding restrictive early action(REA) program. Meaning you cannot apply to other schools early, but are not required to accept an offer of application.
Application Deadline: Nov 1st - REA, Jan 5th - RD
Financial Aid Deadline: Nov 15th - REA, Mid Dec - RD
Tests
In terms of standardized test scores, Stanford admits students with strong performance on the SAT and ACT exams. Typically, the 25th percentile SAT and ACT scores are 1470 and 33, respectively. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below these figures. On the other hand, the 75th percentile scores (meaning that 75% of admitted students scored below these figures) are usually around 1570 for the SAT and 35 for the ACT. These scores provide a range within which the bulk of admitted students' scores tend to fall and offer you a benchmark to aim for in your test preparation.
Essays
Common App Essay
In terms of the Common App essay, Stanford, like many other schools, asks applicants to respond to one of the seven essay prompts provided by the Common Application, allowing students to showcase their unique perspectives and experiences in a personal and meaningful way.
Below is the full set of Common App essay prompts for 2023-24.
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.(This is a very dangerous prompt, and it is recommended to discuss it with your high school counselor before undertaking it.)
In addition, students have the option to tell colleges any additional information that they might want to know. For example, extenuating circumstances that may explain a drop in grades for a certain semester.
Supplementals
There is a 100-word minimum and a 250-word maximum for each essay.
Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.
Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better.
Tell us about something that is meaningful to you and why.
Conclusion
Navigating the admissions process for Stanford might seem daunting, but with the right tools at your disposal, it can be a manageable and successful endeavor. Delilah AI, with its advanced capabilities, is designed to guide you through one of the most challenging parts: writing your essays. It provides personalized suggestions and feedback, helping you craft compelling narratives that truly encapsulate your unique experiences, aspirations, and potential.
Don't let the task of essay writing stand in your way. Click the button below to get started with Delilah AI and elevate your application for Stanford to the next level. Let's make your dream of studying at Stanford a reality, together.