Stanford University
Stanford, CA · private nonprofit
Official site ↗Admissions
| Admit rate | 3.6% |
| Applicants | 57,326 |
| Middle-50% SAT | 1510–1580 |
| Middle-50% ACT | 34–35 |
| Avg GPA | — |
| Test policy | — |
| Avg net price / yr | $12,136 |
| Grad rate | 93% |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $124,080 |
| Source | cds · 2024 |
Application requirements
| Restrictive EA | 2025-11-01 |
| Regular / Rolling | 2026-01-05 |
| Application fee | $100 (US) · $100 (intl) |
| Personal essay | Required |
| Portfolio | College's own system |
| Test policy | always required |
| Teacher recommendations | 2 |
| Counselor recommendation | Required |
| Mid-year report | Required |
Source: Common App first-year Requirements Grid, 2025-26 cycle. Confirm on the college's site — requirements can change mid-cycle.
Supplemental essays
- The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (100 to 250 words)· ~250 words
- 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 — know you better. (100 to 250 words)· ~250 words
- Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.· ~250 words
- What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 word limit)· ~50 words
- How did you spend your last two summers? (50 word limit)· ~50 words
- What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 word limit)· ~50 words
- Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. (50 word limit)· ~50 words
- List five things that are important to you. (50 word limit)· ~50 words
Copied verbatim from the school's official admissions page (2025-26 cycle).