Thinking about applying to Stanford? Let’s explore everything you need to know to get into Stanford University.
Stanford University is one of the world’s leading teaching and research institutions, located in Stanford, California. Occupying over 8,000 acres, Stanford is one of the largest campuses in the United States. The university was founded in 1891 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their child, Leland Stanford Jr.
In the past century, the university has grown and flourished into seven successful schools. Three of these schools consist of 40 academic departments at undergraduate levels. The other four schools are centered around graduate programs regarding law, education, business, and medicine.
Tips for Getting Into Stanford University
What’s more important, your GPA or your essays? Is it better to dabble in a dozen extracurriculars or drill down in one or two? It’s hard to know what matters when it comes to your Stanford University application. Coleman’s advice comes from experience, as does the tips from former Stanford admissions officer Kelly Britt, who now helps prospective students build strong applications at Ivy Wise. Their insight, along with advice from admitted students, can help you build a strong Stanford application.
1. Polish Your Academic Record
A weak academic record can doom your Stanford application. How strong does your academic record need to be? For the 2022 admission cycle, Stanford reported median scores of 1540 on the SAT and 35 on the ACT for enrolled students. And over 70% of enrolled students had a perfect GPA, with an average 3.95 GPA out of a 4.0 scale.
Accomplishments Outside the Classroom
Although demonstrating academic excellence is crucial to your success, Stanford is also interested in your activities outside the classroom. These activities can include:
- Community service
- Part-time jobs
- Internships
- Extracurricular activities
- Volunteer positions
Being an active participant outside the classroom shows you’ve likely developed crucial skills that will serve you at Stanford and beyond, such as problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. Ensure your application documents show the breadth of your passions and activities!
Students With the Ability to Take Charge
Stanford highly values students who show the initiative to become leaders. Part of Stanford’s mission is “preparing students for lives of active citizenship.”
If you’re a self-starter who creates your own opportunities, pursues experiences to hone your leadership skills, and is involved in the community, Stanford is looking for students like you! Try to share leadership experiences in your activities list and personal statement.
Intellectual Curiosity
While striving for academic excellence is a great first step, Stanford seeks students with a voracious appetite for learning and discovery. Stanford states that it has a culture of “interdisciplinary collaboration that drives discovery and innovation vital to our world.”
Consider times you’ve gone above and beyond to research a topic you were interested in or thought of innovative solutions to solve problems. Ensure your zest for learning and discovery is almost tangible in your application documents!
Stellar Personal Traits
Stanford seeks students with strong moral compasses who will consider the ethical implications of innovation and advancement, whether it’s a new medical procedure or government policy.
There are many traits you can demonstrate in your Stanford application; empathy, honesty, and diligence can take you a long way. Remember, Stanford wants to be sure that the students they admit will positively contribute to the incoming class and campus.
Diverse Perspectives and Lived Experiences
Stanford desires to “enroll a class of diverse backgrounds and experiences, talents, academic interests, and ways of viewing the world.” No matter what your background is, it’s worth sharing with the admissions committee!
Use your personal statement and supplemental essays to delve into your identity, background, upbringing, and perspectives. A diverse class means more opportunities to discover and discuss new perspectives and ways of seeing the world; show Stanford what you can contribute!
