How to Get Into Stanford University
Complete guide to admission requirements, essays, deadlines, and tips for success
Quick Overview
Stanford University is one of the most selective universities in the United States, with an acceptance rate of 3.9%. Founded in 1885, the university is located in Stanford, California and currently enrolls ~7,200 undergraduates.
Getting into Stanford University requires exceptional academic performance, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and compelling essays that demonstrate your unique perspective and potential for contribution to the university community.
Academic Requirements
GPA Requirements
Most successful applicants have a GPA in this range or higher
Test Scores
Remember: While these statistics provide guidance, Stanford University uses holistic admissions. Strong essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars can significantly impact your application.
Application Essays
Key Essay Prompts:
- "What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?"
- "How did you spend your last two summers?"
- "What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?"
Essay Tips: Focus on authenticity and specific examples. Show, don't tell your story. Connect your experiences to your potential contributions at Stanford University.
Application Deadlines
Tips for Success
- Emphasize innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
- Show how you've made an impact with limited resources
- Demonstrate intellectual vitality and curiosity
- Connect your interests to Stanford's collaborative culture
- Highlight achievements that show initiative
- Be authentic about your failures and what you learned
What Makes a Strong Applicant
Quick Links
Popular Majors
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Biology
- Psychology
Notable Alumni
- Elon Musk (Tesla/SpaceX CEO)
- Larry Page & Sergey Brin (Google founders)
- Reed Hastings (Netflix founder)
- Tiger Woods (Professional golfer)
- Sandra Day O'Connor (Supreme Court Justice)
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Start Your JourneyFrequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Stanford University?
Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 3.9%, making it one of the most selective universities in the United States. This means that for every 100 applications, only about 4 are accepted.
What GPA do you need for Stanford University?
Most successful applicants to Stanford University have a 4.0+ (weighted). However, Stanford University uses holistic admissions, meaning they consider all aspects of your application including essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations.
What SAT scores do you need for Stanford University?
The middle 50% SAT range for Stanford University is 1470-1570. The university is currently test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit test scores.
When are Stanford University application deadlines?
Application deadlines for Stanford University are: Early Decision: November 1, Early Action: November 1, Regular Decision: January 2. Make sure to submit all materials before these dates.
What makes a strong applicant to Stanford University?
Strong Stanford University applicants typically demonstrate academic excellence in rigorous coursework, innovation and creative problem-solving, leadership with measurable impact, among other qualities. The university values students who will contribute meaningfully to their community.