What Stanford is looking for?

As one of the world's leading educational institutions, Stanford seeks students who have demonstrated exceptional intellectual abilities and a genuine passion for learning. When evaluating academic performance, Stanford takes into account high school transcripts and standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT.

What does Stanford care most about?

Fundamental, curiosity-driven research is central to the university's mission, and students have extensive opportunities to join Stanford scholars in research that develops new knowledge and deepens understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

What does Stanford focus on?

Our vision guides Stanford's approach to research, education and impact and includes new initiatives that accelerate the creation and application of knowledge, anchor research and education in ethics and civic responsibility and promote access and inclusion across our activities.

How can I increase my chances of getting into Stanford?

You'll need an impressive academic record to get into Stanford. The selective university reported a median GPA of 3.95 for admitted students in 2022. If you're an average student, you can stand out by selecting rigorous courses, demonstrating unique talents, and shining on the Stanford essay questions.

What does Stanford know for?

While Stanford is celebrated for its achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), its impact in the social sciences and humanities should not be overlooked.

How to get into Stanford + EXACTLY what Stanford looks for (GPA, Scores, Extracurriculars, Essays)

What does Stanford want from applicants?

The two most important criteria for admission to Stanford are distinguished academic achievement and significant potential to achieve at a high level during the undergraduate years.

Who gets into Stanford and why?

The primary criterion for admission to Stanford is academic excellence. We look for your preparation and potential to succeed. We expect you to challenge yourself throughout high school and to do very well. The most important credential for evaluating your academic record is your transcript.

Am I smart enough to get into Stanford?

As one of the most selective universities in the U.S., Stanford attracts applicants with extremely high GPAs. The College Board reports that 94% of admitted students in the most recent class had unweighted high school GPAs of 3.75 or higher while just 4% had GPAs ranging from 3.50 to 3.74.

How do you stand out to Stanford?

Score Higher Than Average SAT

To increase your chances of getting accepted, aim to score higher than the average SAT score of admitted students at Stanford. The average SAT score for admitted students at Stanford is around 1500 out of 1600. Scoring higher than this average can make you a more competitive candidate.

Is Stanford or Harvard better?

In most ranking systems, both schools consistently break the top five universities in the world. In many rankings, Harvard ranks as slightly better than Stanford. US News ranks both schools as equal.

Why is Stanford so prestigious?

The school's educational offerings, distinguished professors, and limitless chances more than justify this exclusivity. Here, we'll examine the reasons someone might pick Stanford University over other prestigious institutions as well as some actions you can take to improve your chances of being accepted.

Why is Stanford so famous?

As of April 2021, 58 Nobel laureates, 29 Turing Award laureates, and 8 Fields Medalists have been affiliated with Stanford as students, alumni, faculty, or staff. In addition, Stanford is particularly noted for its entrepreneurship and is one of the most successful universities in attracting funding for start-ups.

What does Stanford look for in essays?

The Common Application personal statement and the Stanford short essay questions are an opportunity to tell us about your reasons for transferring, your future goals, and your favorite activities and interests. These responses help us understand your experiences, ideas and insights.

How does Stanford decide who to interview?

How are interviews assigned? Stanford extends interview invitations according to alumni availability in your high school area, not based on the strength of an application. Your application will not be at a disadvantage if you are not offered an interview. Applicants may not request an interview.

Why is Stanford so hard to get into?

The first truth is that Stanford is, first and foremost, an academic institution, so you need to have spectacular academics to get in. Although Stanford is currently test optional, high SAT or ACT scores remain a great way to show off your skills! But keep in mind that you do need very high scores.

Can an average student get into Stanford?

It is extremely difficult to get accepted to Stanford. The grade point average of people who get accepted to Stanford are in the top tenth of their class. People who successfully get into Stanford also tend to have impressive extracurricular activities and college applications essays.

Who gets accepted into Stanford?

The middle 50% of students admitted to Stanford's class of 2026 scored between 1500 and 1570 on the SAT, and the middle 50% had a composite ACT score between 33 and 35. Of Stanford's class of 2026 that submitted an SAT score, 94.4% scored between 1400 and 1600.

Is Stanford the hardest school to get into?

Now let's take a look at the top 25 most difficult colleges to get into in 2023: Harvard University: Acceptance rate (5%), SAT range (1460-1580) Stanford University: Acceptance rate (6%), SAT range (1420-1570) Princeton University: Acceptance rate (6%), SAT range (1450-1570)

How do I prepare my child for Stanford?

What does Stanford look for when accepting students?

Understanding what Stanford University looks for in its applicants is crucial for crafting a compelling application. While academic excellence is highly valued, Stanford's holistic approach to admissions considers factors such as extracurricular involvement, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and diversity.

Is Stanford 100% need?

See How Aid Works

Almost half of all Stanford undergraduates receive need-based financial aid. Families earning less than $150,000 with assets typical of that income level pay no tuition. Families earning less than $100,000 with assets typical of that income level pay no tuition or room and board.

Are Stanford classes hard?

The course work is challenging but not over the top. Social life is pretty good so there is a balance. But with only 1 in 24 applicants accepted the challenge is to make the cut.

Did any celebrities go to Stanford?

Along with Witherspoon, famous Stanford alumni also include Elon Musk, John Steinbeck and Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female judge of the supreme court.

Is getting into Stanford luck?

Every year, tens of thousands of the world's most qualified high school students get rejected from Stanford. No matter how hard you try, you're statistically likely to be one of them. With an acceptance rate below 4%, it comes down to the math. There's just not enough seats at Stanford for all the amazing applicants.

What high school sends the most students to Stanford?

The Branson School (Ross, CA) often sends 5 or so students a year, which is relatively high for the small ~80-student graduating class. In the past three years, Branson has sent 22 students to Stanford (the most of any college to which grads matriculated).